Defender woes for Harry

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed three of his central defenders are struggling to be fit for the start of the new season. Michael Dawson (Achilles), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Ledley King (knee) will all miss Spurs' upcoming Wembley Cup matches against Celtic and Barcelona. Dawson is a major doubt for Spurs' season opener now with the Achilles knock he picked up in last week's friendly against Bournemouth. Spurs have sent Woodgate to a specialist to investigate his groin injury while King is lacking match fitness after missing all of their pre-season matches to date. Redknapp has hinted French defender Dorian Dervite, who finished last season on loan with Southend, will be given a chance to impress, possibly alongside Vedran Corluka or Tom Huddlestone. "Jonathan Woodgate has flown out to America to see a specialist about his groin and Ledley hasn't kicked a ball yet this season, so it is not looking great on that front at the moment," he confirmed. "All three central defenders are struggling for the start of the season in all honesty so it is not an ideal situation. "Dorian returned from a serious knee injury, went on loan at Southend last season and did well. "He's had a good pre-season so far and we'll see how he goes in the tournament. "Tom and Vedran can also play there but all of a sudden we're not overloaded with genuine central defenders."

Source: SKY_Sports