Poyet facing six-week lay-off

Tottenham’s worst fears have been confirmed after scans revealed that midfield star Gus Poyet has fractured a wrist and will be out for up to six weeks.

The 33-year-old Uruguayan, who is suspended for the opening three games of the new season in any case after a red card against Blackburn last term, was injured in Sunday’s goalless friendly against Sporting Lisbon at White Hart Lane.

Boss Glenn Hoddle was hoping it would prove only to be bruised ligaments but now it has proved further blow for the club with German wing-back Christian Ziege certain to be missing even longer.

The former Liverpool defender has suffered a recurrence of the thigh trouble which last season threatened his career – and much worse.

There was even a possibility of amputation when doctors had to perform two operations after international ace Ziege was injured against Charlton last Christmas.

He came back at the end of last term as a substitute in the final game against Blackburn but hit painful problems again during pre-season work.

What was supposed to be a routine check on his condition discovered that muscles had stuck together in his thigh and now Ziege admits: “It is very disappointing because after six months out I’m now going to be out for another long spell.

“I will be working for weeks with the physios rather than the other players.”

With new striker Frederic Kanoute already ruled out of Saturday’s midday Premiership opener at Birmingham, Hoddle is clearly concerned Spurs are being savaged yet again by the kind of injury crisis to match the one that severely hampered progress last season.

Defenders Dean Richards (Achilles), Ledley King (back) and midfielder Darren Anderton (hamstring) are all highly doubtful for the trip to the midlands.

Kanoute has ruled himself out after pulling a groin muscle in his first training stint with Spurs, although he is confident of being fit for the home clash with Leeds a week later.

Good news for the already-beleaguered Hoddle, however, is that the signing of South Africa centre back Mbulelo Mabizela, 22, is moving closer.

Terms have been agreed with the player and his club Orlando Pirates for the transfer and Spurs are convinced that obtaining a British work permit will be a formality. Mabizela is now regarded as the natural successor to Leeds defender Lucas Radebe as South Africa captain.

He inspired Pirates to a 2-1 win over Tottenham when the London club made a short tour of the republic last month, beating Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 in another match.