Tottenham Hotspur vs Watford team news: Ryan Mason on course for return from ankle injury

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ryan Mason is on course to be in contention to return from injury for the Premier League visit of Watford on 6 February after taking part in first-team training. Mason has not played since the goalless draw with Chelsea on 29 November due to an ankle problem suffered during the second half of the stalemate at White Hart Lane.

The FA Cup fourth round tie with Colchester United and top flight clash with Norwich City came too soon for the 24-year-old, but following the 3-0 win at Carrow Road the player has been spotted in first-team training as he ramps up his recovery. Should the England international prove his fitness this week he could be in line for a return to the first team against Watford this weekend.

Mason's return comes at a crucial juncture in Tottenham's season, with their Premier League and FA Cup schedule set to be disrupted by the return of the Europa League. Spurs face Fiorentina in the first leg of the last 32 on 18 February, with eight matches still separating them from the final in Basel in May.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino will need a fully fit squad if Tottenham are to successfully fight on three fronts this term. Clinton N'Jie and Jan Vertonghen remain out with knee problems but Dele Alli is not expected to miss the visit of Quique Sanchez Flores' side despite coming off at half-time during the win at Norwich after complaining of dizziness.

Pochettino refrained from adding to his squad during the January transfer window and believes his squad is strong enough to achieve its goals during the remainder of the campaign. "I am very happy with the squad that we have," he told Sky Sports, after dismissing speculation linking the club with Fulham's Moussa Dembele. "Always I repeat the same if we can improve the squad then we are open and he is welcome.

"But if not sometimes it is not right and sometimes it is better to have a settled squad but a strong mentality and be working hard. We need to have the feeling that everyone is important for the team. I think we have enough quality and this squad is made for every competition."