[roversgirl]

Quote

Tottenham and England winger Aaron Lennon's comeback has been delayed after a scan revealed a new groin tear.

The 22-year-old has not played since 28 December 2009 but he was expected to return soon - until he suffered discomfort after weekend training.

"He was close to getting fit but has had a bit of a setback," said Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

"Hopefully it shouldn't put him back much from where he was and he could still be fit in a couple of weeks."

Before his injury, Lennon had edged ahead of rivals Theo Walcott, David Beckham and Shaun Wright-Phillips in the England pecking order, playing in the last three World Cup qualifiers, and he was also a key part of Tottenham's push to earn a Champions League place.

England coach Fabio Capello will have to do without Lennon when the squad for the friendly against Egypt at Wembley on 3 March is named weekend.

However, he will hope Lennon manages to play regularly before the World Cup in South Africa this summer, with England's first game being against the United States on 12 June.

Tottenham are also keen for Lennon to be fit again - they are currently fourth in the Premier League but face stiff competition from Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa for that final Champions League spot.

"Aaron has had a scan, and has just torn a couple fibres away apparently," said Redknapp.

"It is difficult and has been dragging on a long time. We will just have to wait and see.

"Another little setback is not what he wanted, but he will get on with it. When he does come back, he will be as good as ever.

"So long as he gets back and gets enough match action for Tottenham to take us where we want to go, then the World Cup will follow.

"But, first and foremost, we have to get him back playing for Tottenham."

Source: BBC Football

He'll be fine for the World Cup, providing he doesn't keep on getting this niggly injuries for the rest of the season. Hes been a big miss for Spurs though, Bentley has stepped in really well but hes not the same player as Lennon who can change a game with his pace. Bentley is a quality player, but Lennon seems to scare full backs with his pace and skill. Hes always the outlet for Spurs whereas Bentley will build up an attack more slowly and get crossers in from further out. Be interesting once Lennon is back to see what happens to Bentley, he is too good to be left on the bench.

[Greg]

I was just about to come and post this. :lol:

Bad news for Spurs I guess, but they're coping all right without him for the time being. He'll be needed for the push for fourth, though, as he's undoubtedly better than David - I think my surname's Beckham - Bentley.

roversgirl, on 23 February 2010 - 01:34 PM, said:

Be interesting once Lennon is back to see what happens to Bentley, he is too good to be left on the bench.

Hopefully he flees the country. Can't stand the guy.

[Fiddy Pence]

Redknapp obviously rushing him back into training, he's just over done it...can understand him wanting him back quickly though as Tottenham have had a big drop in form since he's been out, but now he's jus gone and made things worse.

[roversgirl]

Can't argue hes a good footballer though and has showed it since Lennon has been out? I know he splits football fans, but I saw just how good he was at Rovers and would take him back in a heart beat. He needs to leave Spurs though to kick his career on long term, he'll probably be a bit like Bellamy in that he does better for the smaller teams he plays for as there are fewer distractions and they are the big fish. Admittedly Bellamy has been awesome at City, but hes had his best spells in his career for smaller clubs like Rovers.

[Greg]

roversgirl, on 23 February 2010 - 01:42 PM, said:

Can't argue hes a good footballer though and has showed it since Lennon has been out? I know he splits football fans, but I saw just how good he was at Rovers and would take him back in a heart beat.

From what I've seen of him since Lennon's been injured, no. I'll admit he's a good player, but he should have never left Blackburn, to be honest. I don't think he's good enough for Spurs, and this will be proven when he gets overshadowed by Lennon again upon his return to the action. He thinks he's better than he actually is.

He was good for Rovers, though. I'll admit to that.

[manbearpig]

misses the everton game http://www.totalfootballforums.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif

[Voice of Reason]

Apparently he had the set back after declaring himself unfit for Sunday.

I'm more concerned about him being fit for the World Cup - we will find out today how bad it is.

[Jáck]

Big blow, not only for Spurs' top four run-in, but his world cup hopes. There is always one player that gets injured and misses a major tournament. Maybe this time it's Lennon's turn.

[Greg]

Jáck, on 23 February 2010 - 08:10 PM, said:

Big blow, not only for Spurs' top four run-in, but his world cup hopes. There is always one player that gets injured and misses a major tournament. Maybe this time it's Lennon's turn.

It's Ashley Cole's turn.

Lennon will be fit in time so long as 'Arry doesn't try and rush him back.

[Jáck]

gregstephens7, on 23 February 2010 - 08:57 PM, said:

It's Ashley Cole's turn.

Lennon will be fit in time so long as 'Arry doesn't try and rush him back.

True, but there could always be an occurrence couldn't there. There's also match fitness and sharpness to worry about. Would you throw an inexperienced, unfit player into the World Cup? Only if it was Rooney. Granted, Lennon is a great player, but England also have Milner, Beckham, Walcott and possibly Bentley so if Lennon is unfit, but injury-free, he may not go.

[The Canadian]

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for Lennon to bounce back from this. Definitely not good news for us.