Tottenham have suffered a major injury setback after learning that Tom Huddlestone is facing further surgery on his ankle.
The midfielder has had a season to forget after being plighted with the problem since August, although the club are insisting that his rehabilitation is progressing as expected despite the need for a second operation.
Spurs are refusing to set a date for Huddlestone's return to action but the 25-year-old will be desperate to play again after being restricted to just four appearances this term in what has been a hugely successful campaign for Harry Redknapp's team.
A club statement, released on Spurs' official website on Friday morning, has confirmed the news of the former Derby youngster's latest procedure.
The statement reads: "Tom will undergo a second stage of surgery on Friday to further his recovery following ankle surgery at the end of last year.
"The midfielder has progressed well since his initial surgery with the specialist determining that the anticipated reconstruction of a lateral ankle ligament is the next step towards the England international making a return to full fitness."
The club have declined to put a date on his comeback but the midfielder admits that he is unlikely to play again this season.
"Thanks for msgs! My season is over b4 its even started, operation Friday!! Main objective is to make sure I'm 100% for pre season ? thanks for the msgs!! tough times but part and parcel of the job i guess!!" he tweeted.