Source: Daily_Mail
Spurs facing injury crisis ahead of crunch derby clash against Arsenal
Doubt: Aaron Lennon is a doubt for the clash against Arsenal[LNB]Tottenham could be without five key players for Saturday's derby against Arsenal after Aaron Lennon and Jonathan Woodgate both picked up injuries in the home defeat by Stoke.[LNB]Lennon is struggling with a left ankle problem which caused him to leave White Hart Lane wearing a protective boot while Woodgate making his first appearance of the season managed only 14 minutes before being forced off with concussion.[LNB]Manager Harry Redknapp ruled Woodgate out of Tuesday's Carling Cup fourth-round tie at home to Everton, while Lennon is also a huge doubt.[LNB]Even though Spurs had already used all three substitutes when Lennon picked up the knock, the winger decided he could not continue and took himself off, despite Redknapp's request for him to grit his teeth and play on.[LNB]And with club captain Ledley King also missing against Stoke due to a virus and a thigh problem, Redknapp may be forced to field a severely weakened team at Emirates Stadium, with top scorer Jermain Defoe suspended and playmaker Luka Modric still some way from a return after fracturing a fibula during the victory over Birmingham in late August.[LNB]Without Defoe, who was sent off in the 2-1 win at Portsmouth on 17 October, Spurs did not look as dangerous in attack, but midfielder Niko Kranjcar defended the tactic of persisting with long balls towards Peter Crouch in the final 20 minutes of the match.[LNB]'Peter is a great asset for us to mix up the game,' insisted the Croatian. [LNB] Headache: Woodgate was forced off just 14 minutes into his first team return with concussion[LNB]'When you are down to 10 men as we were after Lennon's injury it's harder to pass your way through teams.[LNB]'You are looking to create chances through crosses and long balls but we have to be happy with the opportunities we are creating this season, especially in the first half against Stoke.[LNB]'We expect to have loads of possession at White Hart Lane, especially against teams like Stoke who come to defend. [LNB]'We will have much more space against Arsenal, however they will be far more dangerous going forward, so we know we have to defend well against them.'[LNB] Tottenham 0 Stoke 1: Same old Spurs! Redknapp's men still flatter to deceive October revolution! CSKA Moscow axe Juande Ramos after hammering on anniversary of Spurs sackingSpurs boss Harry Redknapp admits he LOVES watching north London rivals Arsenal TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC
