Jermaine Jenas is poised to return for injury-hit Tottenham as they prepare to take on Fulham on Boxing Day.

With Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate, Jenas and Darren Bent all sidelined, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has been without four key players as he approaches two crucial games in three days, against the Cottagers and West Brom.

But Jenas, who damaged a calf muscle in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on 13 December, is likely to be back in action against Roy Hodgson's men, although King, Woodgate and Bent remain doubtful.

King's persistent knee problems mean he will almost certainly miss out, as the derby with Fulham comes just five days after the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle, while Woodgate continues to struggle with the back injury he sustained against United one week earlier.

Bent, meanwhile, is still recovering after being laid low by tonsillitis, meaning Redknapp is once more ready to play Roman Pavlyuchenko as a lone striker with Luka Modric operating just behind him.

Redknapp said: "Jermaine is feeling better, his calf muscle is easier, so we will see how he goes in the build-up to the Fulham game. With Jonathan's back, it is just a case of taking it day by day.

"This is the period where the teams with the stronger squads will really kick in.

"We're not overloaded with players here and do not have great strength in depth, so we can't afford too many injuries."