Will Spurs' defensive headache ever end?
Tottenham have two of England's most talented centre backs at their disposal but, sadly for manager Harry Redknapp, the pair are also two of the country's most injury-prone players.
Those who study the football winning odds recognise that Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King would be pushing for a space in the England side if they could stay fit, but they spend more time on the physio's bench than they do on the park; more so for Woodgate.
Redknapp has now admitted the pair will miss the start of the season and Spurs fans must be wondering when they will next seem them take to the field.
Woodgate is still struggling with the groin problem which limited him to three appearances last season, while King's well-documented knee problem means he is finding it difficult to recover from the groin injury he picked up at the World Cup.
Redknapp said: "Jonathan will not be fit for the start of the season.
"He's in a position where he can't train or kick a ball.
"Ledley has come back and his knee is not great and he has a groin problem."
Spurs do have plenty of cover at the back, and fortunately for Redknapp Michael Dawson has improved dramatically in recent seasons.
However, it remains to be seen how much long the manager will keep faith in two players who between them have made just 96 league appearances in the last three seasons.
They're both quality players when fit, there's no doubt about it, but Redknapp could soon decide the money that pays their wages would be better spent elsewhere.
King recently signed a contract extension which means he's tied to the club until 2012, so his departure may have to wait.
Woodgate, though, will be a free agent in the summer and it seems unlikely he will be offered an extension unless he puts together a remarkable run of first team appearances.
However, with Spurs facing a congested season it could be that Redknapp signs a replacement for Woodgate sooner, rather than later.
Meanwhile, be sure to check out the latest championship tournament odds as the new season gets underway on 6th August 2010. Who will join Spurs in the Premier League next year?
_________________________________________________
Follow our rants on Twitter
Read our latest Evening Standard Blog
Have you got an iPod or mp3 player? If you love listening to audiobooks, click here....
Big Chiv: My Goals in Life - Get it now!
Those who study the football winning odds recognise that Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King would be pushing for a space in the England side if they could stay fit, but they spend more time on the physio's bench than they do on the park; more so for Woodgate.
Redknapp has now admitted the pair will miss the start of the season and Spurs fans must be wondering when they will next seem them take to the field.
Woodgate is still struggling with the groin problem which limited him to three appearances last season, while King's well-documented knee problem means he is finding it difficult to recover from the groin injury he picked up at the World Cup.
Redknapp said: "Jonathan will not be fit for the start of the season.
"He's in a position where he can't train or kick a ball.
"Ledley has come back and his knee is not great and he has a groin problem."
Spurs do have plenty of cover at the back, and fortunately for Redknapp Michael Dawson has improved dramatically in recent seasons.
However, it remains to be seen how much long the manager will keep faith in two players who between them have made just 96 league appearances in the last three seasons.
They're both quality players when fit, there's no doubt about it, but Redknapp could soon decide the money that pays their wages would be better spent elsewhere.
King recently signed a contract extension which means he's tied to the club until 2012, so his departure may have to wait.
Woodgate, though, will be a free agent in the summer and it seems unlikely he will be offered an extension unless he puts together a remarkable run of first team appearances.
However, with Spurs facing a congested season it could be that Redknapp signs a replacement for Woodgate sooner, rather than later.
Meanwhile, be sure to check out the latest championship tournament odds as the new season gets underway on 6th August 2010. Who will join Spurs in the Premier League next year?
_________________________________________________
Follow our rants on Twitter
Read our latest Evening Standard Blog
Have you got an iPod or mp3 player? If you love listening to audiobooks, click here....
Big Chiv: My Goals in Life - Get it now!
Post a Comment