Redknapp faces defender crisis

Last updated : 23 July 2009 By Gareth Davies

Harry Redknapp faces starting the new season without any fit first team central defenders.

The Spurs boss admits he may have to rely on rookie Dorian Dervite following injuries to Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King and Michael Dawson.

Dervite, a French Under-21 international, looks set to line up alongside Vedran Corluka against European champions Barcelona in the Wembley Cup tomorrow.

He will look to stake his claim for to start against Liverpool in August, after Redknapp revealed Dawson is doubtful following an Achilles injury in last week’s friendly against AFC Bournemouth.

Woodgate is also struggling and has flown out to America to see a specialist about his groin. Worryingly, Ledley King has yet to kick a ball during pre-season.

Harry said: “All three central defenders are struggling for the start of the season in all honesty, so it’s not an ideal situation.

"Dorian returned from a serious knee injury, went on loan at Southend last season and did well.

“He’s had a good pre-season so far and we’ll see how he goes in the tournament.

“Tom [Huddlestone] and Vedran can also play there but all of a sudden we’re not overloaded with genuine central defenders.”

Roman Pavlyuchenko (thigh) and Robbie Keane (groin) are also doubts for the Barcelona and Celtic games.

David Bentley, who seems destined to leave White Hart Lane this summer, is back in training after recovering from a dead leg sustained at Bournemouth.