Niko Kranjcar will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed.
Kranjcar suffered the injury in training last week and missed Spurs' FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.
It had been hoped the versatile midfielder would be able to play some part in Tottenham's run-in, but Redknapp has now claimed that would not be possible, telling the club's official website: "Niko is out for the season."
While not a first-team regular this season, the news is a blow to Redknapp as he was hoping to involve the 27-year-old towards the end of the campaign as Tottenham's midfielders have looked tired of late.
Kranjcar has made most of his 18 club appearances this season off the bench due to the form of Gareth Bale on the left wing.
Meanwhile, Redknapp insisted Bale is happy at Tottenham despite renewed speculation that Barcelona will launch a bid to sign the Wales star this summer.
Bale is renowned as one of the hottest young properties in world football after starring for Tottenham over the last two seasons.
Barcelona have watched the 22-year-old on a number of occasions and this week Barca full-back Dani Alves said Bale would be a welcome addition to the ranks of the all-conquering European champions.
But Redknapp insists there has been no approach for Bale yet though, and claims the wide man is content at White Hart Lane.
"No one has been in touch with us. He is happy here with us at the moment. He is a fantastic player," the Spurs boss said. "He will be linked with every club because he is such a great player."
Source: PA
