Veteran Naybet rushed back

Last updated : 20 September 2005 By Spurs mad

Ledley King has offered Gardner his personal condolences: "I had the same problems earlier in my career," he said.

"He's showed what he can do already this season so we all hope he gets back as soon as possible to hopefully take his chance again."

Nourredine Naybet made his first appearance of the season as Gardner’s replacement on Saturday, while injured Michael Dawson revealed last week how Martin Jol took the England Under 21central defender aside to tell him he would be rested for the first time this season ahead of the Liverpool game.

Dawson then suffered a hamstring injury, which meant he also had to miss the trip to Aston Villa.

"He told me he was going to rest me, that I'd played two internationals for England and he wanted a fresh team," said Dawson.

"Thankfully the injury's not too serious. It was just a normal training session (Thursday, last week), I went to push off to run and felt something but I should be back in contention soon," he added.