Hugo Lloris has returned to Tottenham training three months after dislocating his elbow at Brighton at the start of October.
The Tottenham captain has missed 20 matches across all competitions, during which time Mauricio Pochettino was sacked, and Jose Mourinho installed.
This injury has sidelined the France international goalkeeper for the longest spell in his career, 103 days and counting.
Paulo Gazzaniga has deputised in Lloris’ absence, and baring a few errors the Argentine has made a smooth transition and largely impressed during a turbulent period for the club.
But with Tottenham’s stand-in skipper Harry Kane sidelined until April at the earliest, Mourinho will be keen to add Lloris’ leadership to his side at the earliest opportunity – especially considering their poor defensive record.
Spurs have only kept since Mourinho’s arrival in their 15 matches played. That came in the 5-0 win at home to Burnley in the Premier League at the start of December
Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Watford, Mourinho reafirmed his belief that Lloris will not be back before February.
"I told [you] one month ago, February," he said. "So the normal thing is February."
"If you ask me late February or early February, at this moment I go more for early. Things are going well. He's getting his confidence back, he's training so I would say he's one of our new players in the January transfer window."
