Tottenham face defensive injury crisis

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a central defensive crisis for the start of the Premier League season after confirming a trio of injuries today.

Injury-plagued Jonathan Woodgate has a groin problem and has flown to the United States for treatment, captain Ledley King has not kicked a ball in pre-season and Michael Dawson has damaged his Achilles.

"All three central defenders are struggling for the start of the season in all honesty so it is not an ideal situation," manager Harry Redknapp told the club website.