'Tottenham would be top of the Premier League!' - Jermain Defoe makes BIG Spurs claim as he insists only one thing has stopped them overhauling Arsenal & Man City

Ex-England international Defoe believes that, had the likes of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven stayed fit throughout the campaign, Tottenham would be challenging for the title, rather than being in fourth and with a massive gap behind league leaders Arsenal.

The ex-Spurs forward told the Daily Star: "The Premier League is the toughest league in the world and it's such a long season, you're going to get ups and downs. But I still think for me Tottenham are one of the most exciting [teams] to watch and if we didn't have those injuries at key moments to [Micky] Van de Ven and [James] Maddison, [Pape] Sarr and [Yves] Bissouma, we'd be top of the league."

While Ange Postecoglou's side have had a hefty injury list at times this season, sometimes approaching the double figure mark, all teams have to deal with players being sidelined throughout the campaign. While Maddison and Van de Ven were out for months with respective ankle and hamstring injuries, Bissouma has missed games due to international duty or suspension and Sarr has been unavailable for just four matches this term. With the quality of the teams above them, it may be a bit of a stretch to say Tottenham would be top of the pile.

Postecoglou's Tottenham, who are in a battle with Aston Villa to qualify for the Champions League and finish fourth in the Premier League, are away to Newcastle United in Saturday's early kick-off.