The Spurs Blog

Martin Jol is likely to shuffle his big squad in order to rest regulars Ledley King, Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane for the Carling Cup match against Port Vale tonight.

Steed Malbranque is likely to make his debut, with Danny Murphy, Tom Huddlestone and Edgar Davids also in line to start the match.

French winger Steed Malbranque could make his debut for Tottenham Hotspur in their match against Port Vale this week.

Malbranque, who moved from Fulham earlier this year, has yet to feature for his new club due to a hernia injury but is now back in full training and will be happy to get some first team football in the Cup.

Steed Malbranque is back in full training.

First team coach Chris Hughton said: “Steed completed his first part-training with the group today,”

“He’ll continue with his rehabilitation programme and he’s very much on the way.

“He hasn’t had a full training session with the team yet but was with us for about 30 minutes, full contact, and in terms of a competitive return, we’re looking at two to three weeks. That’s a real bonus for us.”

We are firing in the goals at the moment but a another creative player would not go astray.

Martin Jol has confirmed that new signing Steed Malbranque will be sidelined for two months after undergoing surgery.

Jol said: “It was his decision and he will be out for seven or eight weeks,”

Spurs travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on the weekend followed by the visit of Malbranque’s former club Fulham the following week.

Tottenham have won the summer-long race for the signature of Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque which has seen Wayne Routledge join the Cottagers on loan for the season.
 
Spurs manager Martin Jol said: “Steed is a skilful, versatile midfielder of real quality.

“He is a player we have always admired and we are delighted he has come to us, there were a number of other clubs interested. He is a player who can cover the left, centre and right midfield positions and will work well within our system.”

“Wayne was very unlucky last season when he did so well in the Peace Cup but was then badly injured in our first Premiership game at Portsmouth.

“That gave Aaron Lennon his chance and everyone knows how much he improved as the season progressed, culminating with his call into England’s World Cup squad.

“In the meantime, Wayne went to Portsmouth on loan and he returned to pre-season looking sharp.

“It’s important that Wayne continues to play consistently in the Premiership. He is a valuable member of our squad and we want him to have the opportunity to continue to develop, so this loan benefits both him individually and us as a club.”

Malbranque expressed his delight with the deadline day move saying: “Tottenham is a big club and it’s a fantastic new challenge for me. It’s an excellent squad and I’m looking forward to joining.

“I will be working hard on my recovery and rehabilitation in order to be ready to play as soon as possible.”

Fulham manager Chris Coleman was also pleased with the transaction and revealed his admiration for his new winger.

Coleman said: “I have admired Wayne since he was a youngster at Palace and always thought he had a lot of talent,'’

“I am glad that we have been able to get him on loan as we needed a quick right-sided player to add another dimension to the squad.'’