Tottenham’s tonsillitis stricken Darren Bent has been ruled out of the Uefa Cup clash with Spartak on Thursday.
The loss of Bent is the latest blow to strike manager Harry Redknapp ahead of this group decider at White Hart Lane with attacking and defensive headaches for the Tottenham gaffer to wrestle with.
Fraizer Campbell is the only fit forward with Roman Pavlyuchenko cup-tied and Giovani dos Santos recovering from an ankle injury.
Things are not looking any better in the defence with Jonathan Woodgate injured against Manchester United and out of contention, while Vedran Corluka, who switched to centre-half against the champions, is cup-tied.
The dodgy nature of Ledley King’s knees means he will not be risked against Spartak with Spurs guaranteed progression if they avoid defeat and some of the club’s youngsters will get their chance.
Amid all of the injury carnage, Redknapp says Jermaine Jenas, who injured his calf against United, may return to the side next week.
“He could be available Sunday week [West Brom] or even make it against Fulham on Boxing Day,” Redknapp told the club’s website.