Tottenham's Gareth Bale back in training and could feature against Stoke

Gareth Bale: Back in training after suffering hamstring injury at Fulham

Gareth Bale is expected to return to Tottenham's starting line-up this weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Wales international has been sidelined since the 3-0 victory at Fulham on 1 December, while defender Michael Dawson suffered a similar injury in the same game.

But both players have returned to full training, and manager Andre Villas-Boas believes they will be fit to feature against Stoke on Saturday.

"It's good news," Villas-Boas said on Bale's recovery. "First for the player because he wants to be back in the group and he's made a tremendous recovery. He's worked extremely hard.

"Michael was injured in the same game as Gareth and they've both returned to training. It's great to have them back.

"Benoit Assou-Ekotto is also recovering his fitness, along with Scott Parker. Scott is a little ahead of Benoit, but he's getting back into shape and back into contention."

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