Rafael van der Vaart

Rafael van der Vaart hopes to play in the North London Derby

Tottenham forwards Rafael van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor are confident they will be fit to face Arsenal in this Sunday’s North London Derby at the Emirates.

Van der Vaart has missed Spurs’ last three games with a calf injury, but the Dutchman, who has scored nine goals this season, will return to full training tomorrow (Wednesday) and hopes to play some part this weekend.

“I’m recovering well from my injury,” Van der Vaart told his official website.

“I expect to be joining the team training next Wednesday after which I will start to focus on the match against Arsenal. I’ll be happy to play Arsenal. I can’t wait.”

Adebayor missed Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Stevenage due to a knee injury he picked up in training and is hopeful of facing his former club.

“Just finished training, really happy with the progress,” Adebayor tweeted. “Knee is looking much better. Working on my fitness.” Full back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is however a major doubt after undergoing a groin operation last week.

Victory for Tottenham will put them 13 points clear of their rivals, who have picked up just seven points from their last six league games.