Jermain Defoe could return early for the north London derby

Defoe was injured in the game against in England's game against Switzerland (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe could make an earlier-than-expected return to action in the north London derby on November 20 after two months out with torn ankle ligaments.

It was feared Spurs would be without the 28-year-old England forward for "around three months" following surgery to repair the damage done while on international duty against Switzerland on September 7.

But he could now be on track to make his comeback slightly sooner, with the short trip to the Emirates Stadium later this month seemingly on his radar.

He said in The Sun: "I'm looking at two more weeks out before I am back training properly.

"I'm feeling great and it has gone better than expected."