Defoe could only sit and watch as Spurs produced some of the most memorable performances in the club's history after suffering ankle ligament damage on England duty in September.
The 28-year-old made his full debut in the Champions League proper on Tuesday and his determination to contribute to the cause saw him net twice in a 3-3 draw at FC Twente, the latest rollercoaster ride of a match for Harry Redknapp's great entertainers.
Defoe revealed afterwards just how "frustrating" being sidelined had been but claimed he was now feeling stronger than ever.
"I did my rehab, didn't cut any corners, worked really hard to get myself back," said Defoe, who admitted he needed more games to build up his match fitness after completing what was his first 90 minutes since August. I really should've been out three months but I put all the work in so nailed it down to two.
"I wanted to come back and feel strong; I didn't want to rush it and then you come back and you break down again. I feel a lot stronger than I was before."
Source: PA
Source: PA