Tottenham Hotspur FC

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Spurs cautious about Lennon

14 Sep 2006 - 07:50:09

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Tottenham boss Martin Jol insists he will not risk Aaron Lennon's long-term fitness by rushing him back into action for Thursday's UEFA Cup tie against Slavia Prague.

The England winger was told he would be sidelined for a month after suffering a knee injury in training last Friday, but surprisingly travelled to the Czech Republic with the rest of the Spurs squad.

Jol said: "We will remain cautious. His injury has settled down and that was a bit surprising.

"But he is a young fellow. He will have a fitness test and there is a possibility that he will be considered for selection.

"Aaron has a minor tear in his cartilage but he is a young lad. His knee stiffened up a bit on Sunday and that was a big concern to us.

"But he trained yesterday, not with the squad, but with the fitness coach and he seemed to be almost 100 per cent.

"He wants to play but I won't gamble. I won't sacrifice players because we have a big squad. We have different options and Aaron is important to us. If he is 100 per cent he will be in the squad."

Tottenham's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov faces a late fitness test on a groin injury, while Danny Murphy and Hossam Ghaly were not considered fit enough to travel.