Source: SKY_Sports
Redknapp rejects row rumours
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insists he has not fallen out with Aaron Lennon after the winger hobbled away from Saturday's defeat to Stoke.[LNB] Reports suggested the Spurs boss had been angered after the England international failed to return to the pitch in the closing stages at White Hart Lane having suffered an ankle injury to leave his team with 10 men.[LNB]Redknapp had used all of his substitutions and was therefore unable to replace Lennon before Stoke went on to pinch the points as Glen Whelan spectacularly netted to seal a smash-and-grab win.[LNB]Rumours of a bust-up emerged after the pair were seen exchanging words on the touchline but, as he awaits the results of a scan on Lennon's ankle, Redknapp has played down suggestions of a row.[LNB]"It has all got blown out of proportion. The lad was injured," he told Sky Sports News:[LNB]"All I said to Aaron was, 'is it possible for you to play on?' because I only had 10 men.[LNB]Damage"I felt that if we had stayed with 11 men, we would have won the game. We certainly would not have got beat.[LNB]"His ankle was too sore so he had to come off. There is nothing we can do about that. I would not have wanted him to stay on and do more damage."[LNB]Redknapp is wrestling with a number of injury and suspension concerns as he prepares for Tuesday's Carling Cup fourth-round tie against Everton at White Hart Lane. [LNB]"We have got a few bumps and bruises and a few knocks from the weekend," he said.[LNB]"Jonathan Woodgate got a bad smack on the head. He is going for a scan today to make sure he hasn't got a fractured cheekbone or whatever.[LNB]"We have got to make sure he is okay. His face is very swollen so he is not available.[LNB]Derby date"There are one or two more. Ledley King is still not fit. Jermain Defoe is suspended. Luka Modric is long-term. So there are a few of them still missing, but we will have a look and see who is available."[LNB]Tottenham then face North London derby rivals Arsenal at Emirates Stadium next Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, and Redknapp has his fingers crossed that King will be available. [LNB]When asked which players may have recovered by the weekend, he said: "We'll have to wait and see. Ledley, I'm hoping will be okay."[LNB]But Redknapp will not be rushing Modric back as the Croatia international recovers from a broken leg sustained against Birmingham in August.[LNB]Asked how the 24-year-old is progressing, the Spurs chief said: "Slowly. We don't want to rush him. He has had a bad injury and it takes time. We have got to make sure he is fully fit."[LNB]
