Tottenham have hopes that Rafael van der Vaart will be fit for their Premier League opener with Everton next Saturday, but their Europa League play-off tie with Hearts on August 18 may prove a more realistic date for the Dutchman's return. The striker will take no part in Spurs final pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, having picked up an ankle injury in a 3-2 win over Brighton.
"We'll keep our fingers crossed for next week," Kevin Bond, Tottenham's assistant manager, told the Daily Telegraph.
