Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele in high spirits despite facing lengthy ban as squad return to training after title heartbreak

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Mousa Dembele was in high spirits as Tottenham returned to training on Wednesday despite the lingering threat of a lengthy ban hanging over the midfielder's head.

The Belgian, who has earned many plaudits for his performances this season, has been charged with violent conduct after an apparent eye-gouge on Diego Costa on Monday night.

Tottenham were held to a 2-2 draw by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to leave their already faint hopes of winning the Barclays Premier League in tatters during a heated clash littered with falshpoints.

Mousa Dembele trained with a smile on his face on Wednesday despite the threat of a lengthy ban by the FA

The Tottenham midfielder was charged on Wednesday with violent conduct after an apparent eye-gouge

The Tottenham squad were in high spirits despite seeing their title challenge slip away on Monday

Full back Kyle Walker takes a seat on the floor during training as he shows off his keep-up skills

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino observes training from afar as the squad prepare for Southampton

On the stroke of half-time Dembele appeared to deliberately aim a scratch at Costa's eye during a melee by the dugouts. The incident was missed by referee Mark Clattenburg but the 28-year-old is in line for retrospective action.

Tottenham and Chelsea have both been charged by the Football Association for failing to control their players in regards to two separate incidents during Monday's fiercely-competed fixture being dubbed 'Battle of the Bridge' as well as a bust-up by the tunnel after the final whistle.

The FA will seek to ban Dembele for more than the standard three matches meaning he faces missing a chunk of the start of next season.

Despite the disappointment of losing out on the Premier League crown and the possibility of the lengthy ban, Dembele trained with a smile on his face in the north London sunshine at Hotspur Way.

Spurs captain Hugo Lloris sees the funny side as the players put the disappointment of Monday behind them

Nacer Chadli carries the ball forward during training as the sun shines at Hotspur Way on Wednesday

Ryan Mason, who could replace Dembele in the midfield for Sunday's game, takes control during the session

Tottenham teenager Josh Onomah looks to offload the ball as the players are put through their paces

Mauricio Pochettino put his players through their paces as their focus switched to securing second spot in the top flight ahead of next Sunday's visit of in-form Southampton to White Hart Lane.

The point against Chelsea virtually guaranteed a top-three place and automatic qualification for next season's Champions League and one more win would ensure Spurs finish above north London rivals Arsenal.

Tottenham will be keen to put Monday's disappointing conclusion of their title challenge behind them but suspensions – to Dembele and Dele Alli, who is serving a three-game ban for punching Claudio Yacob during last week's 1-1 draw with West Brom – are threatening to derail the club's end of season.

The players appeared to be in buoyant mood on Wednesday, however, as they geared up for the final two weeks of what has been a fine season for Pochettino's young squad.

Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen goes through his training drills on Wednesday

Son Heung-min, who netted against Chelsea on Monday, gears up for the remainder of the season

Spurs right back Kieran Trippier controls the ball and gets his head up during training

Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris insists the club can have no regrets despite falling short in the final weeks of the season and back Spurs to compete for titles for years to come.

'We gave our best and there are no regrets,' said the goalkeeper. 'We can be disappointed because we started to dream about this title but if we keep the same mentality and energy, we will be ready to compete for the next few years.

'We are improving step by step and we don't know our limits, so that's very positive for the future, which has to be bright.

'Now we will continue to do our best, just like we have done all season.'