Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul will again be missing this month.

The Guardian says Kaboul will not return for Tottenham Hotspur until early February at best as he endures frustration during the final phase of his recovery from knee surgery.

The central defender, who underwent the operation at the end of August, had hoped to be out for no longer than four months but a January return date has ruled out by André Villas-Boas. Kaboul, who was the club's most consistent centre-half last season, has not yet begun to work outside the gym. Kaboul has played only once this season - in the defeat at Newcastle United on the opening day.