TOTTENHAM MANAGER Harry Redknapp has suffered another injury blow with the news midfielder Tom Huddlestone is to undergo ankle surgery which will rule him out for three months.

The decision to go under the knife came following an extensive consultation period and will rule the 23-year-old out of key Champions League group fixtures and the club’s busy Christmas fixture schedule. “Following consultation with several independent ankle specialists, it has been determined that Tom Huddlestone will undergo surgery on his right ankle,” read a statement on the club’s website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com.

“The procedure is likely to rule the England international out of action for around three months.”

Huddlestone has been a virtual ever-present this season but in recent weeks had seen his game time rationed due to the ankle problem, which has required a series of injections.

The former Derby midfielder joins a growing injury list at White Hart Lane, which has left Redknapp without the likes of Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Jermain Defoe, Jonathan Woodgate, Aaron Lennon, Jamie O’Hara and Robbie Keane.

Tottenham assistant manager Kevin Bond admitted the loss of Huddlestone was a blow but was confident the depth of the squad could cover his absence. “It looks like he’s going to have to have a little clean-out of the ankle and it looks like he’s going to be out for some time,” said Bond. “He’s been excellent for us for some time now, but that’s what we’ve got the squad for.

“Jermaine Jenas played central midfield on Saturday and was brilliant, so we’ve got a squad of players and they’ve all got to play their part. They’ll certainly have to do that because we’ll be without Tom for a good while.”