Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen hopes to return to action by end of March

Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has revealed that he hopes to return to action by the end of March.

The Belgium international has been on the treatment table for the last 27 days with medial collateral knee ligament damage.

Vertonghen suffered the injury during last month's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

"[The medical team] always give you a timeframe to come back and the target of the injured player coming back is always to beat that time," Vertonghen told the club's official website.

"I'm out of the brace now and I can walk again so I improve every day. It's hard work and it will take time. I'm aiming to be back around the international break and I want to be part of the team and help however I can."

Spurs are currently second in the Premier League table, two points adrift of leaders Leicester City.