Tottenham have only 12 fit first-teamers to face Fulham in FA Cup

05 March 2010 20:57
The Tottenham manager has only 12 fit first-team regulars available for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Fulham, with three youth team players expected to feature on the substitutes' bench. [LNB]Tottenham are considered to have one of the strongest squads in the Premier League, but striker Jermain Defoe is doubtful with a groin problem and could join fellow England internationals Ledley King, Aaron Lennon, David Bentley, Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone on the sidelines. [LNB]With Younes Kaboul and Kyle Walker Cup-tied, Redknapp has brought back youngsters Jake Livermore and Andros Townsend from loan spells. [LNB]"Without exaggerating I would say I've only got one spare senior player available," said Redknapp. "We took a chance and let a few go out on loan and we brought a couple in who are Cup-tied and that is the problem. The Cup is the problem."[LNB]Redknapp's side sit fourth in the Premier League as they fight for a place in the Champions League next season, but the Tottenham manager is eager to repeat his FA Cup triumph with Portsmouth two seasons ago. [LNB]Yet on Saturday he comes up against manager of the month Roy Hodgson, who he voted for as manager of the season last year. [LNB]"They [Fulham] finished seventh last year and he took them into Europe. He deserved it last year so he got my vote," explained Redknapp. "They looked like they were getting relegated when he arrived and what he has done is create a very well organised team."[LNB]

Source: Telegraph