Tottenham midfielder Moussa Dembele could return to Premier League action as soon as next week after discovering that he will not need surgery on his hip.

The Belgian has missed Spurs’ last five games with the injury, which he suffered whilst on international duty.

Andre Villas-Boas feared that his man might be out of action for up to six weeks, with an operation appearing to be the best option in his quest for recovery.

However, a new scan has revealed that the injury is healing well and he may be fit to face Arsenal next Saturday:

"We could either give him surgery immediately, but there is no certainty it will cure the problem, or he could rest, have manual therapy, train in the swimming pool. ” He is quoted by SkySports.

"That allows the player the possibility of return within 10-15 days, so we are taking that option at the moment, without having the surgery."

The Londoners have won only once in the absence of Dembele, but Villas-Boas believes that they will be able to cope even if the 25-year-old is side-lined for longer than expected:

"We had good games without Moussa,

"Against Chelsea we lost Gareth Bale and Moussa and we gave them a run for their money even though they were on an amazing run.

"We had extremely good games against Southampton and Norwich. Good players are missed but this squad is full of good players.

"I don't think it has affected the tempo and dynamic - it's more important to have players fully concentrated and motivated."

[ad_pod id='tv' align='center']