The Belgian missed almost two months of action before returning to the Tottenham Hotspur team for their Champions League game in midweek.
Harry Redknapp has told The Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast that was broadcast on talkSPORT on December 8th 2016 that having Toby Alderweireld back in their squad was provide Tottenham with a major boost.
Spurs went into their game with CSKA Moscow knowing that their Champions League campaign was coming to an end regardless of the result.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
And while the victory that booked their place in the Europa League would have been a positive for Mauricio Pochettino, the fact that Alderweireld played the final 22 minutes at Wembley after nearly two months on the sidelines due to injury may have provided the side with the greater lift as they head into the busy Christmas period.
And former Tottenham boss Redknapp explained how pleased Pochettino will be to have the defender back available.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld prepares to come on as a substitute
“[It’s a] Big plus for them now he’s back,” he told talkSPORT.
“He gives them the option now. Dier, can he get back in the middle of the park? He’ll push him forward again possibly, but it’s [the] competition for places.”
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen after the game
Tottenham’s form while the former Atletico Madrid man was unavailable arguably highlighted just how important he has been to their fortunes since his arrival at White Hart Lane.
Although they beat Swansea 5-0 last weekend, they have generally struggled so desperately need to put a run together if they hope to put themselves right in title contention heading into the New Year.
And having the centre-back should surely boost their chances of doing exactly that.
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