Redknapp fears resurgent Chelsea

Last updated : 03 February 2011 By BBC Sport

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that his side has an uphill battle to overtake Chelsea for fourth place in the Premier League.Redknapp, speaking after Spurs' 1-0 victory at Blackburn, said Chelsea could win the league after their purchase of Fernando Torres.

"For us to finish above them would be a real feat," he said.

"They have spent about ?70m in the transfer market. We have just got to keep going."

Spurs are three points behind Chelsea, who enjoy an 18-goal advantage over them in the goal difference stakes.

"I would not write Chelsea off from winning the championship," added Redknapp.

"Although Manchester United look as though they keep getting results, they are not playing as well as they have done in the past.

Can Tottenham catch Chelsea and claim fourth place?

"They are red-hot favourites but Chelsea have won the championship and have Torres to come in.

"They could go on a run and be a big danger to everyone."

Despite picking up three points at Ewood Park, Spurs suffered the last-minute loss of key midfielders Steven Pienaar and Luka Modric.

"Luka had a pain in his stomach and needed an appendix operation," Redknapp explained.

"As for Pienaar... the other South African [Bongani Khumalo] thought his head was the ball and knocked him unconscious in training."

Redknapp also revealed that Ledley King's operation on his groin injury has been put back for a week after the defender lost his passport.

King, who has not played since October, was due to see a specialist in Germany.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport