Redknapp reveals his worries as Spurs prepare for pitch battle in Donetsk

19 February 2009 09:21
Tottenham [LNB]boss Harry Redknapp is fearful of losing players to injury tonight against Shakhtar Donetsk on a pitch he deems unfit for non-league football.   [LNB]It has added to Redknapp's worries as he prepares for a period of six games in 17 days, starting with the UEFA Cup clash in Ukraine.   [LNB]'I'm not blaming the pitch, but it's just a poor pitch,' he said. 'That's what you will get out here this time of year. You wouldn't play on a non-league pitch like that.'[LNB][LNB] Testing times: Redknapp has a busy schedule to contend with[LNB]Redknapp has left five senior players at home as he prepares for a 'crazy' fixture pile-up.   [LNB]Spurs have the Carling Cup final on March 1 so the last-32 clash at RSK Olimpiyskyi tonight is not Redknapp's priority.   [LNB]Redknapp has left the likes of Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric in London as a result. [LNB]Aaron Lennon, Carlo Cudicini and Wilson Palacios were not risked either, while Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Vedran Corluka and Roman Pavlyuchenko are cup-tied.   [LNB]Eight youngsters have travelled to Donetsk and 17-year-old Dean Parrett could start against the Ukrainian champions.   [LNB]'It's crazy the way they have piled the fixtures,' Redknapp said. 'After this we've got three weeks between every game.'   [LNB]Point to prove: Chimbonda[LNB] Redknapp admits there was little he could do about the UEFA Cup clash against Shakhtar, with the return leg three days before the Wembley showpiece against Manchester United.   [LNB]But he is upset about travelling to Sunderland for a rearranged clash on March 7, adding: 'The Sunderland game? They could have arranged that easily.'   [LNB]Pascal Chimbonda is in the frame to make his first start since rejoining Spurs from Sunderland in the January transfer window.   [LNB]The 29-year-old wants to atone for his penalty miss against PSV Eindhoven last season when Spurs crashed out of the UEFA Cup after a shoot-out in Holland.   [LNB]'A lot of big players miss penalties, that's part of life,' said the full back. I don't regret anything. But yes, it makes me more determined to do well this year. I'm stronger this time.'[LNB]Meanwhile, Redknapp is optimistic skipper Ledley King will be fit for the Carling Cup final after his hamstring injury.   [LNB]'I'm hopeful he'll be okay,' Redknapp said. 'It's sort of day to day. He's had a hamstring, he's got that knee problem, but he's a fantastic player when he's fit. [LNB]'We're just hoping that he continues his recovery. We'll monitor ahead of the weekend and we'll see how he looks next week.'[LNB] Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp forced into European juggling act to keep players fit[LNB]Volatile Chimbonda has the chance to win over Spurs fans[LNB]Young gun Parrett poised for Spurs bow in Ukraine[LNB]Spurs boss Harry Redknapp refuses to make UEFA Cup risks as he ponders leaving key stars like Modric at home[LNB]EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION: WIN a day out at the Carling Cup final... and present the match ball[LNB]Brazil star Love admits: I was close to joining Spurs in January[LNB]TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail