Tottenham lose Huddlestone for 'long term'

Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Tom Huddlestone faces a lengthy absence after manager Harry Redknapp confirmed he requires surgery on an ankle problem.

The 24-year-old has not played for Tottenham since the end of August when he appeared as a second-half substitute in the 5-1 Premier League home defeat by Manchester City FC. Speaking ahead of Thursday's UEFA Europa League Group A visit of Shamrock Rovers FC, Redknapp said the 24-year-old England player will be sidelined for the "long term" because of his injured right ankle.

"Tom's going back to have another operation on his ankle, going back to the specialist. It looks long term and that's a blow for him," said Redknapp. Huddlestone missed five months of last season after a previous ankle operation. Redknapp also confirmed that defender William Gallas, yet to feature this term, has suffered a "setback" in his return to fitness after sustaining a second calf strain.