Manager Mauricio Pochettino said at a news conference on Thursday that Vertonghen, who has been out of action since September, was back in training but fellow central defender Davinson Sanchez was still out, also with a hamstring problem.
Argentina's 20-year-old Juan Foyth is also in the running for a place against Chelsea after some impressive displays, although he only returned from South America early on Thursday after making his debut for the national team.
Tottenham are fourth going into the Wembley clash but would jump above Chelsea if they end the Blues' unbeaten start to the season under new manager Maurizio Sarri.
Of Vertonghen's progress, Pochettino said: "It is very good news, he has been training with the group.
"We have to wait until tomorrow to see whether he can be involved. Jan is such an important player for us.
"We have a very busy period ahead so it's important to recover our players."
As well as Sanchez, Tottenham are also without fullbacks Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier, who are both carrying groin injuries, and midfielder Mousa Dembele who is in Qatar to treat an ankle injury.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Alexander Smith)
