Tottenham boost as Van der Vaart ready to return

Rafael Van Der Vaart is expected to make his return for Tottenham against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Van der Vaart, 27, has been sidelined for the last three weeks with a hamstring injury but has resumed training and is set to make an immediate return to the starting line-up.

With Tom Huddlestone and Jermaine Jenas ruled out through injury, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says the return of Van der Vaart is a timely addition to the squad.

Redknapp said: "He's fit and has trained this week. He could start."