Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen [Reuters]

Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood has been boosted by the return of Christian Eriksen for both the Europa League game against Benfica and the crucial Premier League derby with Arsenal.

The Danish international has missed the last two matches against Cardiff and Chelsea because of a back injury that also forced him to miss the international friendly against England last week.

Spurs host Portuguese giant Benfica this Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League last 16 before the North London derby on Sunday.

Sherwood may give Eriksen a place in the line-up after the playmaker returned to training this week and played a full part in Tuesday's session.

"Christian has contributed well in his last few matches, both goals and assists, and it's great to have him back in contention," Sherwood told Tottenham's Official website.

Defender Younes Kaboul will also be available for the north London derby, after the Football Association rescinded the red card he received during last weekend's 4-0 defeat against Chelsea.

However Michael Dawson may miss the next few games after suffering a hamstring injury during the Chelsea defeat, joining an injury list which already includes Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches, Erik Lamela and Danny Rose.

Dawson himself revealed on Tottenham's official website their concerns after the Chelsea defeat, which left them four points off Manchester City in fourth place, having played three games more.

"It hurts us as players and I know it hurts the fans, but we have to stick together. We keep talking about it, unfortunately, but we have to keep showing huge character when we've lost in the way we have," Dawson said.

"Now it's Benfica over two legs and we've got it all to play for. We've got to bounce back then it's Arsenal, and that needs no building up, we know what it means to everyone, the club, the supporters. We'll go out there and give it our all."