Spurs star Kranjcar ruled out for rest of season

Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar is set to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, boss Harry Redknapp revealed on Friday.

Kranjcar suffered ligament damage during the FA Cup semi-final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley last Sunday and the Croatian needs an operation which will keep him out of Spurs’ final five matches of the campaign.

Redknapp said: “The courage he showed was amazing to play on. He’ll need a nasty operation.”

The former Portsmouth player’s absence will be a major blow to Redknapp as he tries to steer Tottenham into the Champions League for the first time.

Spurs, who host Premier League leaders Chelsea on Saturday, are currently one point behind fourth placed Manchester City in the race for the final Champions League spot.