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Defensive duo back in training for Spurs

Tottenham centre-backs Vlad Chiriches and Michael Dawson are back in full training ahead of the match against Liverpool on Sunday, the club have confirmed on their official website.#INSERT

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caption:Tottenham have conceded eight goals in their last four games without Michael Dawson.
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Romania international Chiriches, 24, has missed Spurs’ last 12 games with a back injury, while club-captain Dawson, 30, has been out of the club’s last four matches after suffering a hamstring injury on 8 March.

The White Hart Lane club beat Southampton 3-2 on Sunday to keep their hopes of Champions League qualification alive, and manager Tim Sherwood is pleased the duo’s return gives him options ahead of the vital match against Brendan Rodgers’ men this weekend.

"Vlad has been out for a while and we have to make sure we take our time with him," he said.

"We're pleased to see him back in training this week and we're looking to drop him back into Friday's under-21 game against Arsenal at the Lane.

"He's trained well and he hasn't felt any reaction to his back, so we're well pleased with that.

"Michael trained at the end of last week as well, we're pleased with his progress and most of all, delighted we've more players from which to select from."

Spurs sit fifth in the Premier League table with 56 points from 31 games, though north London rivals Arsenal sit six points clear in fourth with a game in hand.