Flying Dutchman ‘out until new year’

In-form Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart could face a month on the sidelines after tearing a hamstring in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.

The Dutchman, who has set the English Premier League alight with eight goals for the London club since his move from Real Madrid in the off-season, limped off after just 12 minutes of the Liverpool game.

His absence is sure to cause a few headaches for Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who could also be without Younes Kaboul after the central defender appeared to injure a hip and was forced off 10 minutes before half-time.

“Rafa felt it tear, so that doesn’t look too good. It’s so disappointing for Rafa. He keeps picking up little injuries,” Redknapp said.

The manager said van der Vaart’s involvement in the Netherlands’ lengthy World Cup campaign in South Africa could be to blame for the amount of time the 27-year-old is spending on the treatment table.

“It’s probably because he’s missed a pre-season or was away at the World Cup and not played many games,” Redknapp said.

“When your fitness is a bit low it’s hard to get up to speed. He keeps getting little nicks.”