Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone has completed a three-match ban and is back for the Barclays Premier League clash against Sunderland.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson could return to the squad after missing the FA Cup replay against Reading as his wife had just given birth.

So too could Ledley King, who was rested in midweek, and Dimitar Berbatov, who had flu.

Didier Zokora is on international duty and Darren Bent (knee) has been struggling, while Gareth Bale (foot), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) and Anthony Gardner (ankle) are out.

Sunderland winger Ross Wallace will miss out and much beyond after damaging knee ligaments.

Defender Danny Higginbotham will be sidelined for between four and six weeks after undergoing surgery to pin a broken toe, while midfielder Grant Leadbitter will be out for two to three weeks with a similar, but less serious fracture.

Dickson Etuhu is on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria, while Carlos Edwards continues his recovery from a broken leg.