Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed injured duo Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon are closing in on a return to action, although the New Year’s Eve tie with Swansea will come too soon for the duo (Premier League coupon – Swansea 9/2, draw 11/4, Tottenham 4/6).

Redknapp, who downplayed any speculation of new arrivals in January earlier this week, has been without defender Dawson since August but the Spurs chief believes there is a chance he could feature in the FA Cup tie with League Two side Cheltenham on January 7 (FA Cup outright – Tottenham 8/1).

Lennon suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Sunderland on December 18 but is closing in on a return to first-team action.

“It is good news. They are coming back,” Redknapp told Sky Sports News. “Michael trained yesterday for the first time and he is going to train this morning, so it is great to see Michael Dawson back out on the training ground.

“He is a fantastic player and a great guy.

“He is not ready to play yet but we are going to get a week’s training into him and he is aiming for the FA Cup, which would be great if we could get him fit for that.

“Aaron’s coming on well. He is working hard with the rehab.

“He is not ready tomorrow (to face Swansea) but not far away.”

Spurs will also be without Ledley King for the trip to South Wales, while Sebastien Bassong and Roman Pavlyuchenko face late fitness tests.

Swansea’s Angel Rangel will also have to pass a late fitness test after being withdrawn in the draw with QPR last time out, while defender Steven Caulker cannot feature as he is ineligible to face his parent club.