Defoe not in Tottenham line-up

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe was not in the squad for the New Year’s Day clash with Everton at White Hart Lane.

The 22-year-old was understood to have suffered a knee injury prior to kick-off and Robbie Keane and Fredi Kanoute formed the attack for the home side.

Noureddine Naybet returned in defence for Martin Jol’s side, the Morocco centre-back returning from an ankle injury to take Anthony Gardner’s place in the team that drew with Crystal Palace earlier in the week.

Michael Brown and Rohan Ricketts also missed out, with Dean Marney and Pedro Mendes recalled to the starting line-up.

Richard Wright was in goal for the visitors – his first league appearance in 15 months – deputising for veteran Nigel Martyn.

James McFadden replaced Alan Stubbs for David Moyes’ side, who were looking to bounce back from defeat at Charlton on Tuesday.

Tottenham: Robinson, Pamarot, Naybet, King, Edman, Marney, Pedro Mendes, Carrick, Ziegler, Keane, Kanoute. Subs: Fulop, Redknapp, Davenport, Ricketts, Gardner.

Everton: Wright, Hibbert, Yobo, Weir, Pistone, Cahill, Gravesen, Carsley, Kilbane, McFadden, Bent. Subs: Turner, Campbell, Naysmith, Chadwick, Osman.

Referee: S Dunn (Gloucestershire)