Bunjevcevic masks injury

Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle is considering a return to action for mask-wearing Goran Bunjevcevic against Derby in the Premiership on Monday night.

The Yugoslav defender has not played since fracturing his cheekbone against Chelsea three weeks ago but the fitting of a bone-protecting mask could allow him to play.

Bunjevcevic is back in training and may be put through a specially arranged game behind closed doors to test the mask's suitability before Hoddle makes a final decision.

Hoddle told Standard Sport: "Goran has got to get used to wearing the mask and he needs a game under his belt with the mask on to see if he is OK with it. Whether we can do something behind closed doors before Monday is something we'll have to look at but I would not rule him out of the game against Derby."

Hoddle will also welcome back Christian Ziege. He missed this week's 4-0 Worthington Cup victory over Tranmere with a knee injury he picked up in Germany's 0-0 draw with Finland in Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

Hoddle said: "Christian should be in the squad and Ben Thatcher will also be included because he did so well against Tranmere on Tuesday."

Hoddle also scoffed at suggestions that Tottenham are ready to sell Ukrainian striker Sergei Rebrov to fund a move for Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler.

Hoddle said: "It is just not true. We are not looking for anyone else at the moment."