Sources: Clarke back at Tottenham after deal terminated as length of absence revealed
Jack Clarke has returned to Tottenham and will be assessed by the club's medics as they plot his recovery from ankle ligament damage, Football Insider understands.
The 20-year-old winger has had his loan spell at Stoke City terminated after being ruled out for the rest of the season.
A Tottenham source has told Football Insider the club's medical team will now meet with Clarke in the coming days and plan his rehabilitation to get him fit for next season.
The initial timeline put on Clarke's absence was at least six weeks in a cruel blow to the player and his temporary employers.
Football Insider broke the news last Friday (2nd April) morning that Clarke would miss the rest of the season and his Stoke loan would be terminated.
That was confirmed by O'Neill following his side's 2-0 win at Bristol City later in the day.
Clarke had been enjoying his most sustained spell of first-team football since his breakthrough campaign at former club Leeds United two seasons ago.
The winger was a regular for O'Neill's side with six starts among 14 Championship appearances in total.
Stoke will look to re-sign Clarke on loan again next season, although that will depend upon Tottenham and their plans for the starlet.
They paid Leeds £9.5million plus add-ons for the youngster in the summer of 2019.
Clarke has made three senior Spurs appearances, two in the Europa League and one in the FA Cup against Marine.
He headed to Stoke in January after loan spells at QPR and former club Leeds last season.