Dawson set for long-term layoff

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says Michael Dawson is likely to have suffered a long-term injury during the 3-1 FA Cup win over Stevenage.

Former Nottingham Forest man Dawson landed awkwardly on his right leg within the first six minutes of the fifth-round replay at White Hart Lane.

The centre-back was then stretchered off and replaced by Kyle Walker.

Subsequent reports claim Dawson may have ruptured his ankle ligaments, and the Spurs manager confirmed the injury appears to be serious.

“Michael Dawson looks like he’s got a really bad injury which is a massive blow for Michael and for everybody,” Redknapp told ESPN.

“We’re not sure exactly what it is but it’s a bad one. It’s long term for sure.”

Tottenham’s injury problems did not stop at the loss of Dawson, with Aaron Lennon also forced out of the match due to the reoccurrence of a previous injury.

“He got a little tweak in his hamstring,” Redknapp said.

“Every time he plays he seems to do his hamstrings in so we’ve got to look at that and try and strengthen his hamstrings.”

Both substitute Emmanuel Adebayor and reserve forward Jermaine Defoe found the net against Stevenage, while January arrival Louis Saha has made an impressive start to life at White Hart Lane.

The form of his three front men means Redknapp has a tough choice to make ahead of Tottenham’s English Premier League match away to Everton on Saturday.

“Jermain’s playing well, Louis Saha’s scoring goals, (Adebayor) is scoring goals but you can’t play the three of them; not many teams play two strikers let alone three so we’ll have to have a look at it,” he said.

Redknapp paid tribute to the efforts of League One club Stevenage, who took the lead from the penalty spot and were unfortunate not to force a second goal during an evenly matched contest.

“It was a difficult game, but that’s just what I expected coming here tonight,” he said.

“They’re a good side, they’re well organised, dangerous on set-plays; they’ve got some real good competitors.”

“Full credit to the lads, we showed good character.”