ABOVE: Michael Dawson

Dawson picked up the injury five weeks ago and was expected to be out for around two months.

But Spurs boss Harry Redknapp raised hopes that his star defender would be back early when he revealed the player had discarded his protective boot and started jogging last week.

Now the 27-year-old has been told to stop jogging.

He said: “I was outside running earlier in the week but the Achilles was still a little sore, so I’ve had to take a step back and concentrate on working in the gym.

“The physios aren’t too worried as I’ve been in a protective boot for a couple of weeks and I need to strengthen it up.

“I’m obviously a little down, but you never know with injuries and rehab. We’ll wait and see.

“I’ll have a weekend’s rest now and then it will be back to it next week. “

It’s so disappointing to be injured and I was with Tom Huddlestone in the gym this week. He’s also out, and it’s a hard time for a footballer, it’s the side of the game people don’t see.”

Despite missing the club’s last seven games, Dawson, who was sidelined for three months last season with a knee injury, has had his spirits lifted by last Sunday’s win over Arsenal.

Dawson sat on the back row of the bench with his team-mates to watch Spurs run out 2-1 winners.