Injury Updates

Last night’s match against Portsmouth brought more than some fantastic end-to-end football, as Roman Pavlyuchenko and Ledley King both had to be withdrawn due to injury.

Roman had to be stretchered off early in the first half, but it has been confirmed that he suffered an impact injury, rather than a twist. The injury is only a minor niggle, and the hope is that he will be in line for a return for Wednesday’s Carling Cup tie at Turf Moore.

“When it happened the pain was so unbearable that I feared the worst,” said Pavlyuchenko. “But fortunately it turned out to be just a huge bruise on my shin. Thank God, the bones are intact.” The Russian admitted.

“The medics told me I’m going to miss one game definitely – and maybe more. With the corner of my eye I saw Davis flying to crash into me. I did everything to get to the ball first. In the English Premier League you won’t make it into the squad if you pull your legs away fearing tackles.”

Ledley King’s problem, though, was a slightly more serious one as he suffered a minor hamstring strain. The Tottenham captain is already restricted to playing no more than one match a week, due to reaccuring knee problems, but this new injury, though not as bad as first feared, will keep him out for a more lengthy period.

Harry Redknapp confirmed: “At half-time I came in and there were three lads that the physios wanted to take off, all with injuries.

“I’d already lost two players in the first half and then Aaron Lennon had a groin strain that they felt might go at any time, Corluka had a thigh strain and the keeper started the game with an injury.

“Pavlyuchenko got a kick on the ankle, I don’t think it’s too serious, but Ledley came off with a hamstring and he won’t play for a long time.”

Pavlyuchenko, King and Gomes – all injured.

Goalkeeper Gomes is still carrying an injury he suffered against Wigan, and Redknapp said he would have played back-up keeper, Cesar Sanchez, had he more faith in the experienced Spaniard. Responeding to questions about Gomes’ limping against Pompey yesterday, Harry responded:

“Gomes does limp a lot. He is Brazilian and sometimes Brazilian goalkeepers limp a lot. He has got an injury. I’m looking for someone who can also play in the first team.”