Injured Hutton set to miss season

Hutton will miss the Champions League clashes against Real Madrid

Spurs defender Alan Hutton is facing knee surgery which is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season.

It is the latest blow for manager Harry Redknapp, whose defensive crisis shows no sign of receding with crucial European and domestic games coming up.

The former Rangers man, who has made 27 appearances for Spurs this term, tore his cartilage in training on Thursday.

A Tottenham statement revealed that scans had confirmed that Hutton had torn his lateral meniscus.

The 26-year-old will now definitely miss both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, with the first being played in Spain on Tuesday.

Hutton’s latest injury means the medical team at White Hart Lane have their work cut out to provide enough cover in defence.

Spurs are already missing the injured Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Younes Kaboul, while William Gallas has been struggling with a knee problem.

Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong are Redknapp’s only two fit natural centre-halves, while Hutton’s rival at right-back, Vedran Corluka, can also play there if needed.

As well as their commitments in the Champions League, Spurs are pushing for a top-four spot in the Premier League and are currently fifth in the table with eight games left.