Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone expects to miss the rest of the season after undergoing further surgery on his ankle problem later this week.
Spurs insisted on Wednesday morning that the 25-year-old's rehabilitation from the ligament damage that has kept him sidelined since August was progressing as expected.
"Tom will undergo a second stage of surgery on Friday to further his recovery following ankle surgery at the end of last year," read a statement on the club's official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com.
"The midfielder has progressed well since his initial surgery with the specialist determining that the anticipated reconstruction of a lateral ankle ligament is the next step towards the England international making a return to full fitness."
Huddlestone has been limited to only four appearances this season because of the injury and the north London club have declined to put a date on his comeback.
However, the player revealed on his Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon that his focus was now on being fully fit for pre-season training.
"Thanks for msgs! My season is over b4 its even started, operation Friday!! Main objective is to make sure I'm 100% for pre season ?" he posted. "thanks for the msgs!! tough times but part and parcel of the job i guess!!"
Meanwhile, the club have handed a trial to Brazil Under-20 captain Bruno Uvini.
A two-month deal has been agreed with his club Sao Paulo, it is understood, though he has yet to arrive in north London.
Reports state Uvini holds an Italian passport and will not require a work permit.
The 20-year-old centre-back led Brazil to victory in the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia last August.
"It's a great opportunity that came up and I couldn't let it pass me," Uvini told Sao Paulo's official website.
"Tottenham are a big club with worldwide exposure and they've asked me to present myself.
"I will grow up a lot in my professional and personal life with this choice."
