Parker return some way off as Spurs face Chelsea

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is still without Achilles victim Scott Parker for his side’s Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea.

The 32-year-old midfielder has not played since he turned out for England in their Euro 2012 defeat to Italy and Villas-Boas is now not expecting him back until Christmas.

Defenders Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul (both knee) are still absent, but Jake Livermore and Kyle Naughton are back in training after groin and ankle injuries respectively.

Provisional squad: Lloris, Friedel, Gomes, Cudicini, Smith, Gallas, Dawson, Walker, Naughton, Vertonghen, Caulker, Falque, Huddlestone, Mason, Bale, Lennon, Livermore, Sandro, Dembele, Dempsey, Sigurdsson, Carroll, Townsend, Defoe, Adebayor, Obika.