Redknapp admits defensive worry

Redknapp: Worried about defence

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is worried losing two key defenders to the African Cup of Nations in January could prove a "disaster" for his side.

Sebastien Bassong and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have both impressed at White Hart Lane this season but will be representing Cameroon when the competition commences in the new year.

Redknapp has been unable to field his first-choice centre-half pairing for most of this season as Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King have both been struggling with their respective groin and knee injuries, and admits he is short of options.

"It's a disaster really, a disaster for us losing a couple of players," Redknapp said.

"When you sign them I guess you know you're going to lose them every couple of years playing in those games. It's a chance you take.

"We'll be OK at left-back. Gareth Bale's training great and looking OK, doing well. But we've got a problem obviously at centre-half if one of the other two boys don't get fit - if Ledley or Woody don't get fit. That is a problem."

Redknapp admits he "doesn't have a clue" when King or Woodgate, who has played only three times this term, will play again but is adamant he will not enter the transfer market to find any replacements.

"I've got four centre-halves and if one of the other two comes back we'll be OK," He added.

"(Vedran) Corluka can play there, Tom (Huddlestone) can play there as well."