• Premier League

Van der Vaart injury blow for Spurs

ESPN staff
February 21, 2011
Rafael van der Vaart has had his injury problems since joining Tottenham Hotspur in August © Getty Images
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Tottenham Hotspur have been rocked by the news that Rafael van der Vaart has suffered a recurrence of a calf problem.

The Netherlands international, who will definitely miss Tuesday's clash at Blackpool, has been laid low by the problem of late, sitting out the win over Sunderland before returning against Milan in the Champions League.

Although Harry Redknapp is in the dark over the severity of the injury, he concedes that the loss of Van der Vaart, who has scored ten goals in 19 Premier League starts, represents a significant blow to Spurs' chances of snatching a top-four spot.

"Rafa did his calf again yesterday in training so he's struggling," Redknapp said. "Rafa missed a couple of games, played in Milan, got through 70 minutes and then yesterday morning didn't feel good.

"It's a blow; he a fantastic player and we need him, but we can't get that run out of him. He missed the pre-season, after the World Cup, and I think that's a problem with niggly injuries.

"We have a break, with Wolves away next then AC Milan at home. We're hoping Rafa will be back for Wolves. He should be ok, it's not a tear."

Redknapp also paid tribute to David Beckham as the England international completed his last day of training with Spurs before returning to LA Galaxy.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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