Source: Daily_Mail
Pavlyuchenko has sights set on United in fight for his Tottenham future
Roman Pavlyuchenko is determined to be fit enough to face Manchester United on Saturday as he fights for his Tottenham future.
The Russia striker explained there was nothing sinister to his omission with a back injury for Sunday's defeat of Newcastle.
'I felt a sharp pain in by back in training on Wednesday,' the 27-year-old told Sport-Express. 'It was difficult to move. I was treated every day and hoped that I would have recovered for the Newcastle match.
'But when I arrived at the stadium and tried to accelerate, the pain had not gone, so we decided not to risk it.
'I think that in a day or two everything will be fine and I'll be fully prepared for the next game. Moreover, we will be going to play Manchester United.'
Pavlyuchenko revealed before the Carling Cup final in February that he would rather be playing for United than Tottenham.
'It would be wrong not to dream about coming to play for Manchester United one day,' he said.
'I have realised that the English Premier League is exactly why you should start playing football in the first place.
'And Manchester United is the leader. Once your first dream comes true you must start dreaming of another target.'
There is increasing expectation that the £13.8million buy from Spartak Moscow will be sold in the summer by White Hart Lane boss Harry Redknapp after scoring just five league goals in 24 appearances this season.
