Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris likely to miss Aston Villa clash with knee injury

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is unlikely to return from injury for the match against Aston Villa having been absent from an open training session held for supporters on 9 April.

Along with prolific striker Harry Kane, the France international is arguably the club's most important player but has not featured since sustaining a hefty blow to his knee after an accidental clash with teammate Kyle Walker during the 4-3 victory over Leicester City in March.

Lloris was stretchered off and replaced by Michel Vorm just four minutes into that match and his recovery has taken time, with The Guardian confirming he was not involved in first-team training at White Hart Lane as his wound is yet to fully heal.

The fact the 28-year-old is not yet ready to train surely suggests he is unlikely to be considered for the visit of Villa on 11 April and with Tottenham now highly unlikely to break into the top four following a dour 0-0 draw with Burnley, there is simply no need to rush him back before he is fully ready.

Villa's trip to north London will see Tim Sherwood return to his former club for the first time since he was sacked by chairman Daniel Levy in May 2014.

While many might expect him to be bitter at the timing of his dismissal in light of his well-documented winning percentage of 59%, he expressed nothing but respect for Tottenham in his pre-match press conference.

"I wouldn't be sitting here as Aston Villa manager if wasn't for Tottenham Hotspur," Sherwood was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "They've been very good to me over the years. I have a lot of respect for that football club but it's all about what I can give to Aston Villa at the weekend.

"I've been in communication with Daniel Levy since I've left, I haven't got a problem. He's the chairman of the club and he makes those decisions based on what he thinks is in their best interest."

Sherwood is unlikely to be have right-back Alan Hutton available, with the defender nursing a foot problem. Ashley Westwood and Manchester City loanee Scott Sinclair are also doubts, with both suffering from hamstring injuries.