Harry fears for Woody

Woodgate: Troubled times

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has a growing concern over the fitness of defender Jonathan Woodgate.

Redknapp fears that the former Leeds United and Real Madrid star could be forced into retirement if one final operation fails to cure his ongoing groin problem.

Woodgate made only three appearances last season for the north London outfit and has not played at all since November.

Redknapp believes the former England defender, who has been plagued by injuries for much of his career, is close to calling it a day.

Surgery

He said: "They're talking about having an operation for Jon now. That's his last chance.

"Well, probably. His last resort, I think, will be an op."

The 30-year-old is expected to travel abroad for the procedure having already seen specialist surgeons in America and Australia.

Redknapp said: "Someone abroad's going to do it. The physio's taken him.

"He's been all around the world looking for a cure."