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Zokora could be out for three weeks with malaria
Spurs squad concerns eased by emergence of Huddlestone
TOTTENHAM’S midfield general Didier Zokora has been diagnosed with malaria and is facing a possible three-week lay off.
The Ivory Coast international had a slight temperature before the UEFA Cup victory against Bekistas last week and was told not to play – but after a blood test club doctors found he had picked up the disease and is now definitely out for the weekend fixture away at Watford and the following week’s home game at Reading.
But the problem of replacing Zokora, whose performances have been one of the highlights of the season, has been eased by the emergence of 19-year-old Tom Huddlestone.
Huddlestone, a £1 million signing from Derby County last term, started the Uefa game in Zokora’s place and kept his position for the victory against West Ham.
Speaking after the game, head coach Martin Jol said: “It was a pleasing performance from Tom and we are working hard with him each day. He already is one of the best passers in the division, and he is ready now to be considered a first-team player.
“He offers us something else. I am pleased with his progress and how he takes the responsibility that goes with his role.”
And Huddlestone says now he has got a couple of back-to-back games under his belt, he wants to make a midfield berth his own.
He said: “Didier came down with a fever and his loss was my gain. It’s nice to get two games in a row.
“Hopefully I’m going to give the manager a problem with picking the team. Hopefully I’ve done enough to stay in the side. The manager said well done. He asked me if I liked the atmosphere – obviously I did, and its always better if you are winning.”
Huddlestone’s towering 6’4” presence is coupled with a passing ability matched perhaps only by Michael Carrick, who left the club in the summer. But Huddlestone says he hopes he can offset the loss of Carrick.
He said: “Obviously Michael was a great player for Tottenham. His are big boots to fill but hopefully I can do that. |
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