Jol to take time over King return

King has been out for three months

Tottenham manager Martin Jol will only allow Ledley King to return to action when he feels the England defender is totally free of his foot injuries.

Although the 26-year-old says he will be fit to face Chelsea on Saturday, Jol refuses to put a date on any comeback.

King has been out since Boxing Day and Jol said: "He could be back in a week but I've said that before.

"I don't want to say anything to the supporters because he fell back before. You can't take a risk."

He is increasing his volume of running and doing a lot of ball work now Martin Jol on Ledley King

Jol believes it is likely that King will need another two weeks on the sidelines.

Jol added: "I talked to him last week and he said 'I feel I'll be back against Chelsea away' and I said don't gamble on it.

"I can't push him. It wasn't only his left foot but his right as well.

"It's a matter of not pushing him."

King was initially sidelined with a stress injury to his left foot but has since suffered a problem with his right foot.

"It wasn't even broken," said Jol. "Robin van Persie at Arsenal had the same - they had to break his foot to get it right.

"We didn't want to break a bruised foot, which can be even worse than a broken one.

"He is increasing his volume of running and doing a lot of ball work now."