Sandro
Sandro welcomed the opportunity to marshal Tottenham's midfield alongside his compatriot. (Reuters)

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro is relishing the opportunity to strike up a formidable partnership alongside his countryman Paulinho in the heart of Andre Villas-Boas' midfield.

The 24-year-old midfielder suffered a horrific cruciate ligament injury in January that not only ended his season by made him question his future in the game.

But the former Internacional star completed his rehabilitation in time for Tottenham's excellent start to the 2013/14 season, coming on as a substitute in three Premier League appearances in addition to making starting appearances in a handful of European and domestic cup ties.

Sandro's return to the Tottenham fold has coincided with the arrival of seven new faces over the course of the summer as the club have stated their ambition to challenge on all four fronts this season.

The midfielder got the opportunity to play alongside one of those new faces in Paulinho in his side's 4-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup, a formidable partnership that Sandro was delighted to be a part of.

"It was my first time to play with Paulinho and he's amazing," Sandro told Tottenham's official website. "He's on fire at the moment, I'm so glad for him and everyone enjoyed this moment."

Following the arrivals of Paulinho and Etienne Capoue in addition to the continued presence of Mousa Dembele, Villas-Boas now has a number of options in his midfield.

But the natural understanding that Sandro and Paulinho shared in their sides' win over Villa suggest the Brazilian duo could stake a claim for the first choice selection in midfield, particularly if Sandro can rediscover his exquisite form of the first half of last season.

The pair will be hoping to continue their partnership when Chelsea visit White Hart Lane on Saturday. Tottenham will have a chance to prove their title credentials against the Blues but perhaps just as importantly, they will have the chance to extract some revenge after losing the corresponding fixture 4-2 last season.

"Chelsea is a great game and everyone is looking forward to it," Sandro added.

"Last season we lost at home and this season we are determined to win. We have to play like we played at Villa. Let's try and take this big win."