Defoe injury not as serious as first feared

Last updated : 30 January 2009 By Gareth Davies
Jermain Defoe has broken his foot and will be out for three weeks.

Harry Redknapp's plans for the final days of the transfer window looked to  have been dealt a massive blow following news that Defoe, who signed from Pompey a fortnight ago, had broken a bone in his foot.

It appears, however, that these reports were innacurate and that his injury is not as serious as first feared.

Speculation had began to circulate this afternoon that Defoe, who has scored three times since making a big money return to the club earlier in the month, had suffered a serious injury whilst training ahead of the trip to Bolton tomorrow.

 The News of the World claimed a source in club had confirmed that the player Redknapp hoped would fire the club away from the relegation zone would be out for "at least eight to ten weeks".

A source told the paper: "It is a massive blow. We don't know exactly how long Jermain will be out."

Redknapp is still believed to be in the market for another forward, with speculation suggesting a move for Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz is in the pipeline in the remaining days of the transfer window.