Tottenham Hotspur are locked in a battle for third with Arsenal. If they had these three players available their chances would surely be far greater of bridging the three point gap…
Which of these three injured players will or has been the biggest miss for Spurs?
Michael Dawson
Centre-back Michael Dawson is so far looking like a big loss to Tottenham. He last featured in the FA Cup win against Stevenage, suffering ankle ligament damage. He is expected to miss the rest of the season, and potentially Euro 2012 too. His injury was in a way an avoidable problem, if Tottenham had beaten Stevenage in the first game, the replay would not have been needed in which he sustained the injury. William Gallas’ return to the first team was welcome on Saturday, helping the club keep a clean sheet against Chelsea, but then again the home side were so poor they never really threatened. Gallas is not the player he was though, and with Ledley King’s fitness as inconsistent as ever, a fit Dawson would be much welcomed. He played against Newcastle in the 5-0 win, and helped keep Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse quiet, seemingly the last full 90 minutes of his league season. He missed September through to January with injury, so his latest setback is even more infuriating for himself and the supporters.
Tom Huddlestone
Huddlestone has been out nearly all season, so his lack of availability is no sudden loss. Nonetheless the midfielder is one who supporters would surely wish was fit to help lead a late charge over the final eight Premier League games remaining. Like Dawson, he is recovering from an ankle problem, and the best prognosis is a return next season. It is a shame for him because he finished last season strongly, scoring a great goal in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Arsenal. Scott Parker’s arrival has helped fill the void, but Huddlestone would have given Redknapp another option, and allowed him to consider resting the newly installed England captain far more freely. When he returns next season he will have to fight more than ever to re-establish himself, and the 25-year-old will want to make up for lost time. A sudden comeback would no doubt have given fresh energy to Tottenham’s midfield.
Aaron Lennon
Tricky winger Aaron Lennon has not featured in the league since the 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United. If Tottenham are to overhaul Arsenal, they will need players like Lennon to get back playing to the best of their ability. The good news, is that Lennon is due back in around a week or so’s time, with April penciled in as a comeback date. However given Lennon’s injury problems with his hamstring this season, nothing is guaranteed. He has been in and out of the side, and Spurs need a fully fit Lennon, not a half-fit one. Rushing him back too early could be an error, and Redknapp will have to make the right call. Only when he is back on the pitch will the management truly know whether he is back to his best. What is for sure, is that Tottenham cannot wait for him to get back up to speed. They have to go on a winning run now, put the pressure on Arsenal, and not drop any points. To do so they need everybody playing at full tilt, so Lennon will have to be ready.
Who has been the biggest miss? Vote in our poll
Which player are you most keen to see back
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