Hutton out as Spurs defensive crisis deepens
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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Tottenham Hotspur FC's defensive injury problems have escalated with the news that right-back Alan Hutton is likely to be out for the rest of the season due to knee surgery.
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Tottenham Hotspur FC's injury problems have worsened with the news that right-back Alan Hutton is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season due to knee surgery.
The 27-year-old Scottish international has made four appearances in this season's UEFA Champions League but is now out of the remainder of his team's campaign, starting with the quarter-final tie against Real Madrid CF.
His absence could hardly come at a worse time for Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who is already certain to be without defensive trio Ledley King (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (calf) and Younes Kaboul (thigh) for Tuesday's trip to the Santiago Bernabéu. The London side could also be missing left-back Gareth Bale and centre-back William Gallas.
"Gareth's hamstring is still tight and you can never tell with a hamstring injury," said Redknapp. "Until you really push it, you are not sure. William is struggling at the moment." Michael Dawson and Sébastien Bassong are now the club's only fit central defenders, though right-back Vedran Ćorluka can also operate in the middle.