Andros Townsend

Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has been handed a major double injury boost with Andros Townsend and Mousa Dembele set to return to face Everton in Sunday's Premier League game at White Hart Lane.

The winger missed Spurs' last nine games after injuring his hamstring in the Capital One Cup defeat over West Ham on December 15 while the Belgium midfielder missed the 1-1 draw at Hull last weekend due to an ankle injury.

The 22-year-old English international was a pivotal player during the first part of the season and his return against Everton is a boost for Sherwood – especially considering that Everton are one point ahead in the table and are among the main contenders for Champions League qualification.

"We're positive on Andros and he has a chance (for Everton), he's up for selection. He's champing at the bit to return," Sherwood said.

At the same time, Dembele's return will give Sherwood more alternatives in the midfield.

"He's fine. He's back out training again and he's in the frame to start against Everton," Tottenham manager added.

After an impressive start under Sherwood Spurs have failed to win their last two games – against Manchester City and Hull City as the Toffees, who beat Aston Villas last Sunday, moved a point ahead of them into fifth place in the Premier League.

Townsend's injury recovery is also important to Roy Hodgson, who will confirm his England's squad for the summer finals in Brazil against Denmark in early March.

The winger excelled during England's final World Cup qualifying matches against Montenegro and Poland and with Theo Walcott absent through injury he may be a key player for England in the World Cup this summer.

Everton FC