Dawson returned from a four-month Achilles injury lay-off on Saturday to captain Tottenham to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Cheltenham in the FA Cup, and with King expected to be out for several weeks, the former Nottingham Forest man will be at the heart of the defence again on Wednesday against Everton.
The 28-year-old has no qualms about his manager throwing him in at the deep end after such a serious injury, however, and is relishing the prospect of maintaining his side's title push, saying: "I was out for three months last year and I then went out to play lots of games so it's not the first time this has happened."
He added: "Injuries are hard and when you come back you need to come back and perform at the best of your ability and do what you can and I will always back myself to do that.
"I didn't feel any reaction to the injury (on Saturday). I feel good. You need squads because injuries will come along and everyone has to be ready.
"It was nice to get the game out of the way and I will go in to training this week looking forward to it."
Dawson admits watching his team-mates perform so well from the sidelines was a frustrating experience.
He said: "Speak to any footballer that gets injured and they'll tell you it's never nice, especially with the team playing the way it is. The lads are flying.
"So it's good to be back. It's an exciting time here, definitely.
"Long may it continue. The lads have earned the right to be where they are and they deserve it. I have watched them and they are flying high so I am looking forward to being part of it and being injury free."
Source: PA
Source: PA