Jonathan Woodgate has suffered a fresh injury set-back, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed.
The defender has been sidelined with a groin injury, which has prevented him from playing this season.
Spurs had hoped Woodgate would soon be close to a return, but Redknapp has revealed that he is no closer to full fitness.
“Woodgate’s nowhere near playing again,” Redknapp told the Daily Mirror.
“He went to see a specialist again and he just can’t train.
“We haven’t got to the bottom of the injury at all, what’s causing him discomfort.”
With so few options following injuries to Michael Dawson and Ledley King, Redknapp is expected to play Tom Huddlestone alongside Vedran Corluka for Wednesday’s Carling Cup tie at Preston.
Redknapp also insisted that the club are continuing to back King, despite his fresh injury woes.
“When you don’t train all week and then try to put yourself under pressure, it can happen,” said Redknapp.
“But he’s the most fantastic person and player, and he’s so important for us. But if you don’t train you can’t just go out and play without doing hamstrings, groins or calves.
“Ledley’s that good that it’s a difficult one, especially as I have no one else, so if he’s fit he’s in my team.
“Central defenders like that are difficult to come by, and Ledley’s up there in the John Terry class when he’s fit. He’s just picked up a couple of injuries in the last few weeks, and that’s concerned me.”
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