Tottenham’s preparations for the new season have beendealt a massiveblow with the news that Gustavo Poyet could be out of action for up to 8 months.

Poyet had been on the brink of returning to full training after undergoing minor surgery on his knee but the joint gave way during a work-out yesterday. The latest injury may require a cruciiate ligament operation which will rule the player out for up to 8 months.

‘I feel so badly upset and sad after being so happy on Monday and Tuesday mornings,’ Poyet lamented.

‘On Monday I was jumping backwards and forwards and running freely. Then yesterday I was sitting down, with ice on the knee, and as soon as I stretched, a piece of muscle went out of position which sets me back quite a bit.

‘It appears that during the last few months I may have done cruciate ligament damage but the knee has been strong enough to support me.

‘Now I’ve had these added problems, it may be time to undergo the full surgery and put things right but it is a big decision. I’ll speak to Glenn sometime today to choose the next move.’