Source: Team_Talk
Redknapp laments Spurs' injury woes
Harry Redknapp has bemoaned Tottenham's injury problems ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup clash against Arsenal. [LNB] Redknapp's men thumped the Gunners 5-1 in the second leg of the cup semi-final two years ago on their way to lifting the trophy. [LNB]But the manager has lamented the fitness issues in his squad ahead of their impending third-round encounter, admitting he is particularly short of options in central defence. [LNB]"We had lots of centre halves a week ago, we were overloaded, almost," Redknapp told Sky Sports News. "Then suddenly you lose (Younes) Kaboul with a hamstring (injury) on Saturday and (Vedran) Corluka has got a back injury, so we pick up two injuries there. [LNB]"Michael Dawson is out long-term. Ledley (King) can't play Saturday and midweek every week. [LNB]"(Sebastien) Bassong is really the only central defender really we've got. I've got to find someone to play alongside him tomorrow."[LNB]Redknapp will not risk the fitness of ex-Arsenal man William Gallas against his former club after the stopper suffered cramps against Wolves on Saturday. [LNB]"William Gallas has just come in, he's had no training really and I've thrown him straight into some games, so he's another player I've got to be careful with," Redknapp said of his summer signing. [LNB]"I would have played him but he's played 90 minutes last Saturday and 90 minutes this Saturday on the back of not playing at all since the World Cup and not training at all. [LNB]"He cramped up with 10 minutes to go on Saturday (against Wolves). He had severe cramp in his calf and we thought he could have easily done more damage.[LNB]"He's come in and done excellent for us so I've got to protect him."[LNB]Redknapp is aware that rotation is key to maintaining a strong squad with the added strain of Champions League football on his shoulders this season. [LNB]"We're gonna change it around," he added. [LNB]"I've got to make sure I protect lots of players and they're available for the league and the Champions League games."
