Bent missed Cup clash through injury
Darren Bent’s absence from Tottenham’s squad against Burnley has been explained as a groin injury, amid concerns his confidence has been affected by his infamous miss at the weekend.
The 24-year-old striker, who was publicly criticised by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp after his blunder against Portsmouth, was assessed on the morning of the game and a decision was made by the club and the player that he would not play at Turf Moor.
The defeat at Burnley saw Spurs creep into the Carling Cup final but left Redknapp admitting his players are fighting for their futures, with Kevin-Prince Boateng already sent out on loan and Hossam Ghaly set to join Al Nasr in Saudi Arabia.
After sparking a turn of results after his appointment at the end of October, Redknapp has now offered a frank assessment of the squad assembled mainly by former sporting director Damien Comolli.
Bent is the club’s top scorer this season but after his last strike, nearly two months ago, Redknapp still felt his striker needed to increase his work-rate.
That was the same criticism levelled at David Bentley before his cameo against Pompey on Sunday – and Redknapp has plenty of problems elsewhere.
The Spurs boss has no faith in Cesar Sanchez or Ben Alnwick as understudy to goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, who has been carrying a thigh injury.
In defence, his only cover for Vedran Corluka at right-back is Chris Gunter – a promising youngster who Redknapp would want to loan out for experience.
“He probably needs to go on loan and play more games, he’s a good young player but maybe could do with a bit of experience,” said Redknapp.
At left-back, Redknapp feels Gareth Bale needs to improve his defending, while Gilberto’s Spurs career was declared virtually over after a disastrous 45 minutes against Spartak Moscow.
Giovani dos Santos, a £4.7m summer signing, is out of favour and has not featured under Redknapp, who was amazed at the attitude of his players against Burnley.
Redknapp said: “I know what we need to do to take this football club forward and the type of people we need.
“They looked like they had a sulk on because I’m bringing one or two new players in. They should be fighting for their lives to stay at a great club like Tottenham. Their futures are on the line.
“For some of them, they need to perform for me to want to keep them in the long-term.”
Defender Michael Dawson said: “The feeling was of disappointment. The way we played was not acceptable. We need to knuckle down, there is a lot of work to be done.”
Redknapp also has a host of injury problems ahead of the FA Cup clash at Manchester United this weekend, with Jonathan Woodgate and Dawson set to rest knocks, and Jamie O’Hara picking up a groin strain against Burnley.
