Harry Kane may be fit to make his return in Tottenham's Premier League game against Chelsea on Sunday, with manager Mauricio Pochettino saying that the striker is "doing very well."
Kane damaged ligaments in his right ankle before the international break and Spurs originally said he would return in April.
But they confirmed on Thursday that Kane had "stepped up his rehabilitation" and Pochettino said at a news conference that he will be given every chance of being fit.
"We need to assess him," Pochettino said. "He is very positive and he is doing very well. Every day he is improving. We need to assess him in the next few days. It's difficult now to say yes or no. I cannot say no, but I cannot say yes."
Pochettino suggested that if Kane, who has scored 31 goals in all competitions, cannot return against Chelsea, he may be ready to face Stoke City on April 7.
"But the most important [thing] is that we are so positive about his recovery, and we are doing fantastic, and we are so happy," Pochettino said. "After Bournemouth everybody believed it would be a long period out, but the resolution has been fantastic."
Kane, 24, injured the ankle in Spurs' victory against Bournemouth on March 11, preventing him from featuring in England's friendlies against Netherlands and Italy during the recent international window.
Spurs are hoping to take a significant step towards Champions League qualification at Stamford Bridge, where they have not won in the league since 1990.
Pochettino, who ranks Spurs' rivalry with Chelsea on a par with Arsenal, does not think it is a winner-takes-all game.
"I think it's always a massive game because it's a London derby," he said. "It will be a massive game for both teams. When you play this type of game, the pressure is for both teams.
"Of course, there is still a lot of games to play. This is not a final. This is not a decisive game, but always it is important for your confidence, your motivation. To win in Chelsea would be fantastic for everyone, but for sure, it will be a very tough game."
Harry Winks will miss the game with an ankle injury, but Toby Alderweireld is hoping to make his return.
Information from Press Assocation Sport was used in this report.