Chelsea's interim manager Rafa Benitez is ready to take Fernando Torres out of the firing line and offer him a rest.
Torres' struggles at Stamford Bridge since completing a record-breaking ?50million move are well-documented, with the Spaniard having struggled for form throughout his stay in the capital.
It was hoped that a spell under Benitez, who brought the best out of him during their time together at Liverpool, would bring about a reversal in fortune.
Unfortunately, no dramatic improvement has materialised and Benitez has now hinted that he is ready to give Torres a break - with Demba Ba having been added to the Chelsea ranks to help shoulder the attacking workload.
Ahead of Sunday's derby date with Arsenal, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 HD, Benitez said: "Torres is a Chelsea player and the fans have to understand that he will always do his best.
"It is really important for everyone to understand the way to win is to win together.
"Hopefully we can change that now if Torres can rest. He will be fresher and fitter and play at the level we know he can play."
With Andre Villas-Boas inheriting the managerial hot-seat at White Hart Lane, Dawson was deemed surplus to requirements - despite being appointed club captain.
An offer from QPR was accepted, but Dawson snubbed the opportunity to make a move across London to Loftus Road.
Instead, he knuckled down at Tottenham and has become a regular in Villas-Boas' first-team plans.
Dawson said: "If I had wanted to leave, I could have gone.
"They accepted an offer for me and I chose to stay and fight for my position. I wasn't going to jump ship at the first sign of hard times.
"But the gaffer never once left me out of things. He's been great like that. Everyone's got their opinions and, hopefully, I've changed his opinion now.
"It was hard for me, but you can never doubt your own ability. You back yourself to bounce back and perform. I think I've done that.
"I've been at Tottenham for eight years this month and it's not always been easy. I've had times when I've been out of the team before and I've got back in. Now, hopefully, I can stay in for as long as possible."
Having forced his way back into contention, Dawson is now hoping to help Tottenham to a top-four finish in the Premier League and earn himself an England recall.
He added: "It would be nice if England wasn't too far away again, but I have to concentrate on Tottenham.
"I can't get carried away. A couple of months ago, I wasn't even playing for the club."
