Poyet could add to Spurs’ injury woes

TOTTENHAM are dreading confirmation that midfielder Gus Poyet has fractured a wrist and will be out for up to six weeks.

The 35-year-old Uruguayan, who is suspended for the opening three games of the new season after a red card in the final game of last term, was injured in last Sunday’s goalless friendly against Sporting Lisbon at White Hart Lane.

If confirmed, Poyet’s injury would be another major blow on top of the news that German wing-back Christian Ziege will be missing even longer following a recurrence of a thigh injury which last season threatened his career. There was even a possibility of amputation after the former Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Liverpool defender was injured against Charlton last Christmas.

He came back as a substitute in the final game against Blackburn, but hit painful problems again during pre-season work.

With new £4m striker Freddie Kanoute ruled out of Saturday’s Premiership opener at Birmingham, Glenn Hoddle is clearly concerned that his club is being savaged by a new injury crisis to match that which severely hampered progress last season.