Juande Ramos has insisted he has no choice but to nurse Ledley King back to fitness slowly.

The Tottenham defender underwent knee surgery last summer and was unable to make his first appearance of the season until Boxing Day.

He has impressed Ramos since returning to action but has not risked in every game.

King has not played since the 5-1 victory over Arsenal in the Carling Cup and his niggling knee problems forced Fabio Capello to leave him out of his final England squad.

Ramos is desperate to have King back as a permanent fixture in his side but has emphasised the importance of not rushing things.

"I really want him to play every week," the Spurs boss said.

"But this is something we can't control and we have to wait and see how his injury is.

"Right now he can't play any more than he does."