• Midfielder has been carrying the problem for some weeks
• He had operation in Germany after the advice of a specialist
Jermaine Jenas has undergone groin surgery in Germany but the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder intends to return to full training within two weeks, with a view to a speedy comeback for the first team.
Tom Huddlestone, however, has had his hopes of a swift return from his ankle ligament problem dashed. Jenas’s fellow midfielder hoped to be back in training in two weeks’ time, following the injury he suffered against Everton last Sunday but he has learned that he must wait that long simply for another MRI scan to see how the injury is healing. It appears that his fears of a four- or five-week lay-off at least are set to be realised.
The Spurs manager, Harry Redknapp, is without the winger Aaron Lennon for six weeks because of groin trouble. With David Bentley a major selection doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Fulham, also with a groin injury, Redknapp must improvise in midfield.
He could use Younes Kaboul, the January signing from Portsmouth, as a defensive midfielder, alongside Wilson Palacios who, with nine bookings, is one away from a two-match ban. Redknapp’s other options involve pushing Gareth Bale from left-back to left midfield and moving Luka Modric inside from the flank or using Eidur Gudjohnsen, another January acquisition, in midfield.
Jenas has carried his groin problem for some weeks – he last played in the defeat at Wolves on 10 February – and he was encouraged to seek expert opinion. The specialist in Germany decided he needed to operate but is happy at how the procedure went and Jenas has now targeted a quick return, although it may be delayed as he catches up on match fitness.
Tottenham HotspurDavid Hytnerguardian.co.uk
