Younes Kaboul could make his long-awaited return from injury in Tottenham's game against Everton next month, Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed.
Kaboul was often criticized for his inconsistency when he rejoined Spurs in 2010, but he was the club's best center-back last term.
He was expected to be out for four months after undergoing surgery on the knee, but his comeback date has been put back several times as he has struggled to recover.
There now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the 27-year-old, however, with Villas-Boas claiming the center-back could be fit in 10 days' time - when Everton come to White Hart Lane for what will be a crucial clash in the battle for Champions League qualification.
"He has trained the last two days 100 per cent with the team," the Tottenham manager said.
"He is going to rest on Friday and next week he is going to come back and train again with the team.
"If he doesn't feel any pain, it can mean he will be match fit in 10 days if it all goes without interruption - 10-15 days.
"But we have to be careful because it is a very sensitive situation for him."
Kaboul's return would be a welcome boost for Villas-Boas as he looks to hold on to fourth place during a tricky run-in which also includes games against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Saturday's trip to Swansea.
This week Jose Mourinho hinted that he would love to return to Chelsea, where he won the title twice during a turbulent three-year spell.
Although Villas-Boas and Mourinho worked together at Chelsea, Porto and Inter Milan, the two are no longer on speaking terms.
That does not mean the Spurs manager would not welcome the return of the 'Special One' to England, however.
"He is a top coach in the world," Villas-Boas said.
"This league continues to attract the best players in the world, if Jose Mourinho makes it clear he wants to come back it would be excellent for everyone."
