Tottenham midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart is confident he will be fit to play in Sunday’s North London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates.

The Dutch international has been absent from Spurs’ last three fixtures after picking up a calf injury in the 3-1 victory over Wigan at the end of January.

The playmaker, who has nine goals to his name this season, has been making positive progress in his rehabilitation, though.

The 29-year-old told the club’s official website. "I'm recovering well from my injury.

"I expect to be joining the team training Wednesday after which I will start to focus on the match against Arsenal. I'll be happy to play Arsenal. I can't wait.”

Harry Redknapp’s men are 19/10 with Stan James to take all three points across the capital while the former Portsmouth manager, who is being heavily linked with the vacant England job, is 7/1 with the same bookmaker to be the next Premier League boss to depart his post.

Meanwhile, after a gloomy week following exits from the FA Cup and almost certainly the Champions League, Arsene Wenger’s side are 6/4 with Blue Square to derail their arch-rivals’ title bid.