Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is set to miss most of
January after suffering a groin strain, boss Harry Redknapp has
confirmed.
Assou-Ekotto, 25, has withdrawn from Cameroon's African
Nations Cup squad and requires an injection next week for the
injury, but it is understood he will not require an operation.
It is a double blow for Spurs manager Redknapp as England
winger Aaron Lennon has been ruled out for a fortnight with a
similar problem.
"Benoit is having an an injection on Monday," Redknapp said.
"And he will be out for a few weeks.
"He has been terrific. Two terrific players, him and Lennon,
have both picked up groin strains. It's a big blow to us. They are
two outstanding players."
Gareth Bale is set to deputise for Assou-Ekotto at left-back
but Redknapp has still not decided how to replace Lennon on the
right flank. David Bentley is an obvious choice but Luka Modric has
returned from a fractured fibula, while Niko Kranjcar's form has
impressed Redknapp.
Redknapp added: "I could play Krancjar and Modric wide.
Modric could play on the right just as easily as on the left. The
two Croatian boys are fantastic technicians and great footballers."
