Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is set to return to training on Saturday and could play in the FA Cup next weekend, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs had expected Alderweireld to be out until February with a hamstring injury but Pochettino has indicated the Belgian is on track for an early comeback against Newport.
Alderweireld has not played since pulling up against Real Madrid in the Champions League at the start of November.
His swift recovery is particularly timely for Tottenham, who play Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus in the next four weeks.
Asked if Alderweireld could play in the FA Cup in eight days' time, Pochettino said: "Maybe because we will have all the week for training so we will see if he can arrive in good condition to play.
"If all is well, the plan is he is going to do the warm-up with the team (on Saturday) and be integrated gradually with the group.
"We see next week if he can improve and then step by step build his fitness and be ready as soon as possible."
Tottenham, however, could be without goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for Sunday's trip to Southampton. A late decision will be made on the Frenchman, who has come down with flu.
If he fails to recover, Michel Vorm will be in line to make his first Premier League appearance since April last year.
