• Premier League

King winning battle to be fit for start of season

ESPN staff
August 5, 2010
Ledley King was withdrawn at half time during England's World Cup match against USA © Getty Images
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Tottenham Hotspur captain Ledley King insists that he is winning his battle to be fit for the start of the Premier League season on August 14.

The 29-year-old defender played the opening 45 minutes of Spurs' pre-season friendly against Ipswich on Tuesday evening - his first appearance since the World Cup.

King's injury demons - he has a persistent knee problem which prevents him training - re-surfaced at the South Africa tournament when he hobbled out of England's opening Group Stage clash against USA at half-time.

Spurs' fixture list promises to be congested next season given their involvement in the Champions League, which has prompted fears that King may not be able to cope with the gruelling schedule.

But, after a successful pre-season, he remains optimistic that he can play a significant role in Spurs' push to consolidate their place in the top four after their breakthrough season last campaign.

"It's always great to get those first 45 minutes under your belt," King said. "Things have gone well so far in pre-season and it's a nice touch to get out there and do that work.

"I've had some good training sessions and we didn't want to push the game too early, so it's ideal to get out there, play 45 minutes and hopefully now I'll play some part against Fiorentina on Saturday [Spurs' final pre-season friendly] and look to build up for the start of the season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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