Return delights Dawson

Tottenham defender Michael Dawson insists there is no better feeling than playing after making his return from injury.
The centre-back was hurt in a freak accident while making his full international debut for England three months ago.
He made his first appearance for Spurs in Sunday's 1-1 draw after recovering from knee and ankle ligament damage.
Dawson was immense at the back against the Blues and now he is looking forward to playing his part in the club's upcoming games.
"Ask the wife how hard it's been - she had to put up with me for three months!" he told Spurs TV Online.
"But I'm back now and enjoying every minute. Preparing for a game at the weekend, there's no better feeling."
During Dawson's absence the team qualified for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League and he has praised their efforts.
"The lads have been fantastic," he continued. "They deserve a lot of credit for what they've done so far.
"But we're only halfway through the season. To finish top of the Champions League group with the team that were in it was credit to them.
"Unfortunately, I've been sat up in the stand watching the games. Hopefully, I get a chance in February to be playing in it."
Tottenham 4/7, Draw 3/1, Blackpool 9/2
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Spurs - Bale is not for sale

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has moved to reassure supporters that the club have no intention of selling Gareth Bale.
The Wales international has become one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League after a series of scintillating displays this season.
The 21-year-old scored a hat-trick in Spurs' 4-3 defeat by Inter Milan in Italy, before running the European champions ragged as Rafa Benitez's men were beaten at White Hart Lane.
That has led to speculation that Bale could be on his way to pastures new, but Levy insists that is not the case.
Levy told the club's AGM: "I've never deemed us to be a selling club, if you look at the big transfers which have taken place since I've been chairman.
"Both (Dimitar) Berbatov and Michael Carrick had two years left on their contract, both players wanted to go and that was the reason they were sold.
"But in the case of Gareth he's got a long contract and I can assure you he will not be sold."
The transfer window opens again on 1st January, but Levy has admitted that there is unlikely to be much business done by the White Hart Lane club.
Levy added: "The January transfer window is again upon us. We currently have the largest squad in the Premier League.
"We shall look to rationalise... Overall, we do not anticipate a busy transfer window."
Manager Harry Redknapp has also been linked with a move from White Hart Lane when the England job becomes available following Fabio Capello's reign.
And Levy conceded that is a bridge the club may well have to cross if the Football Association come calling.
"Harry is on a long-term contract. If and when they contact us we will have to deal with it accordingly," Levy added.
As for the prospect of the club itself moving from White Hart Lane to the 2012 Olympic stadium, Levy insisted he was aware of the mood of the fans.
Many fans favour redeveloping the current site but Levy added: "I'm a fan, I have lots of friends who are fans, and I have lots of interaction with fans everyday.
"I do talk to people and have feedback so without any surveys I can tell you I have a pretty good feel as to what the mood is."
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Redknapp blasts Blackburn

Harry Redknapp is predicting a difficult period ahead for Blackburn after they sacked Sam Allardyce.
The Tottenham manager was stunned to see his counterpart axed with his club cocooned in the safety of 13th place.
Blackburn were taken over by Indian owners Venky's a month ago and they have wasted little time in exerting their power over the Lancashire club.
Redknapp, though, believes whoever they get to replace Allardyce will be in for a difficult task.
"He's top class at his job, I really mean that," he said.
"People who don't know him see this big northern ex-centre-half who they think is a big hammer thrower, well he's the brightest guy you could ever wish to meet.
"He is so far in advance in all the sports science and technology and preparing his teams, he is just amazing. I know him well and he has so much to offer. He will bounce back."
The Tottenham manager added: "When new owners come in they've all got mates or have heard of someone who is good.... they haven't got a clue really.
"I see Maradona's name being mentioned... If they make the wrong decision I can see Blackburn being bang in trouble this year.
"He (Allardyce) is going to be a very difficult act to follow."
Steve Kean has been promoted from the role of coach to caretaker manager by the new owners as the search for a new boss commences.
Tony Parkes - who held the role of caretaker manager six times at Blackburn - believes Kean faces an arduous task to win over the players, following the manner of Allardyce's exit.
"It's a tricky role," he said.
"When I took over you had to make sure you got the players together and everybody started with a clean slate.
"If you win them over you have got every chance of getting good results early. You might then just give the owners hope of getting the manager they want.
"If you lose games quickly there might be a panic job, maybe getting a new manager in within days and all of a sudden he may not be the right one that you want."
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Gomes - Don't write off Spurs

Heurelho Gomes believes Tottenham can challenge for the Premier League title this season.
The goalkeeper has emerged as a first-team regular for Spurs after being one of the prime examples of Harry Redknapp's revitalising job at White Hart Lane.
Gomes, though, did demonstrate his positive and negative sides during the weekend's draw with defending champions Chelsea as he conceded a tame Didier Drogba goal before saving the striker's last-gasp penalty.
The Brazilian realises there are areas that still need to improve in Tottenham's game, but he insists the fifth-placed club can cut Manchester United's seven-point lead at the top of the table.
Gomes said: "Of course we can challenge for the title.
"It is difficult, but we are still up there and can keep going."
But the shot-stopper has previously acknowledged that Spurs will have to improve defensively after keeping just one clean sheet in their last 10 outings.
Barclays Prem Winner 10/11 Win Outright: Tottenham 33/1
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Spurs survive Gomes gaffes

Man of the match: Michael Dawson - inspiring performance on his comeback from injury
Moment of the match: Gomes giving away the penalty which presented Chelsea with a gift-wrapped opportunity in stoppage time
Attempt of the match: Didier Drogba's fierce shot in the second half which was pushed around the post by Gomes.
Save of the match: Gomes keeping out Drogba's last-minute penalty
Talking point: The return of Frank Lampard as a second-half substitute. Will this spark Chelsea's season and will he be taking penalties for the Blues in future?
Goal of the game: Roman Pavlyuchenko's control and finish to give Spurs the lead with a shot which beat Petr Cech at his near post
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Heurelho Gomes made amends for a couple of mistakes with a late penalty save as Tottenham and Chelsea played out an absorbing 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
The Spurs goalkeeper was at fault for Didier Drogba's equaliser after Roman Pavlyuchenko had opened the scoring, and then conceded a spot-kick in stoppage time for clumsily clattering into Ramires.
But the Brazilian guessed right to deny Drogba from 12 yards and leave Chelsea without a win in five matches.
Pavlyuchenko's goal arrived on 15 minutes when he fired a fine low finish past Petr Cech after receiving a Jermain Defoe pass and cleverly creating space with his first touch.
Drogba stepped off the substitutes' bench to draw the Blues level with a powerful shot 20 minutes from time that was straight at Gomes but knocked the keeper off his feet and still had enough on it to trickle over the line.
It looked like Chelsea would nick the win but Gomes turned from villain to hero to keep Spurs within four points of their fourth-placed London rivals.
Carlo Ancelotti got the assertive start he would have wanted, as the recalled Nicolas Anelka dragged wide, Michael Essien twice shot too close to Gomes from distance and Branislav Ivanovic blazed a 30-yard free-kick over the top.
Chelsea also restricted Spurs to one Gareth Bale shot off target until all their good work was undone by some truly awful defending in the 15th minute.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto played a ball to Defoe in the left channel and the striker was allowed to turn and square for Pavlyuchenko, who John Terry allowed to collect the pass and rifle left-footed beyond Cech.
Salomon Kalou twice went close to levelling, first stretching to send Ramires' cross over the top and then heading straight at Gomes from six yards.
Neither side was holding back in the tackle and Paulo Ferreira was adjudged to have gone too far on Bale just past the half-hour.
Pavlyuchenko maybe should have punished Ferreira when he volleyed Bale's resulting free-kick wide from eight yards.
And Assou-Ekotto was also nearly made to pay for a foul on Ferreira that got him booked when Kalou glanced Florent Malouda's free-kick just past the post 10 minutes before the break.
The same pair combined moments later, with an unmarked Kalou unable to keep his header down from his team-mate's cross.
Anelka did have the ball in the net two minutes from the break but he was rightly ruled offside.
Ancelotti threw on Drogba for John Obi Mikel during the interval but it was Spurs who twice went close to doubling their advantage when Defoe and Luka Modric both shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
Drogba did soon test Gomes with a low drive the latter tipped wide moments before the goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to prevent Palacios' header looping into his own net.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp responded to the spell of Chelsea pressure by bringing on Peter Crouch for Defoe.
Palacios looked to have put Pavluchenko through in the 64th minute but the Russian's touch let him down, while Ramires did well to prevent Crouch nodding in Alan Hutton's cross.
Ancelotti sent on Daniel Sturridge for Kalou for the final quarter as Chelsea went for broke and it paid off, but only due to a horrible error from Gomes.
Drogba held off Dawson before lashing a volley the keeper got both hands to but parried into his own net.
Essien saw yellow for a foul on Modric and Sturridge went close to hooking the visitors ahead from a corner.
Frank Lampard - a surprise substitute after three and a half months out injured - then entered the fray, replacing Malouda for the final 13 minutes.
Spurs followed with Robbie Keane for Pavlyuchenko moments before Aaron Lennon flashed wide after more poor Chelsea defending.
Palacios was hurt late on following a challenge from Ashley Cole and was replaced by Sandro.
And just as a draw looked certain, Gomes made another huge error of judgement by clattering into Ramires to concede a 91st-minute penalty.
Drogba stepped up but shot far too close to Gomes, who redeemed himself.
There was still time for Drogba to be booked for scything down Hutton before the final whistle went.
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No complaints from Harry

Tottenham are 33/1 to win the Premier League after their 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Bet now.
Harry Redknapp admitted that a draw was a fair result after Tottenham shared the points with Chelsea at White Hart Lane.
Spurs took the lead against the reigning Premier league champions courtesy of a fine Roman Pavlyuchenko goal after just 15 minutes.
Heurelho Gomes then took centre stage in the second half with a mistake that allowed Didier Drogba to equalise with 20 minutes remaining.
The Brazilian goalkeeper also conceded a penalty in stoppage time but kept out Drogba's spot-kick to preserve a point for Tottenham.
Redknapp refused to criticise Gomes after the game but admitted it was disappointing not to come out on top after opening the scoring.
He believes his men were not as positive after the interval and accepts that Chelsea played well to draw level.
"They pressed us in the second half, their mindset was to come on to us and we took a backwards step," Redknapp told Sky Sports.
"I told them we had to keep being positive but credit to Chelsea, they're champions and they don't give up.
"Gomes has done great for us and it was a great save.
"It was a good, open game. They attacked us and we attacked them. It was an open game.
"It says that we're as good a side as almost anybody. We'll only get stronger."
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Crouch seeks consistency

Peter Crouch believes Tottenham can mount a title challenge, providing they become more consistent.
Harry Redknapp's side currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings, six points adrift of North London rivals and league leaders Arsenal.
They are unbeaten in five, winning three of those fixtures, and have suffered just four defeats so far - the same as Chelsea and Arsenal.
They have, however, dropped 13 points on the road, with a 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Saturday seeing another two slip through their grasp.
Improving performances on their travels will be crucial to any plans they have of launching an assault on the summit, and the players know as much.
England international Crouch feels Tottenham have the potential to push for major honours, but feels they lack the killer instinct of established contenders like Manchester United and Chelsea.
"With the players we've got and the quality we have in all areas, there is no reason people shouldn't talk about us for the title, but we aren't as consistent as we should be," he said.
"We're getting there but the Chelseas and the Manchester Uniteds have had that for a long time. That's where we need to be."
FC Twente v Tottenham Win to Nil: Tottenham 11/4
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Harry rubbishes Ade talk

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has rubbished talk that he is interested in Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
Speculation has increased in recent weeks suggesting Spurs were keen to snap-up the former Arsenal striker, who is unsettled at Eastlands.
And reports over the weekend claimed that Man City could try and use Adebayor as bait in a £60million-plus move for Spurs' man of the moment Gareth Bale.
"Absolute nonsense," Redknapp told TalkSport.
"I've never made any enquiries for Adebayor whatsoever. I keep seeing in the papers that we're after him. I've never ever asked about him or enquired about him."
Redknapp was quick to deny that he would contemplate letting Welsh wing wizard Bale leave the club, although acknowledging that any decision may not be his to make.
"We don't want to sell Gareth Bale," he continued.
"At the end of the day it won't be my decision, it'll be above my head but it would take an absolute fortune one day to buy him.
"For me, at this particular time, he's got to be the Footballer of the Year in this country. I can't think of anyone who's done as well as him.
"He's not a player that we would really want to sell. You've got to hang onto your best players. If Tottenham want to be a club that's always looking to get in Champions League football you can't sell those players."
Redknapp also stated that he doubted any players would be coming into White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.
"I'm not looking for too much. As we've always said if we find someone who makes a difference and would take us on that extra bit [we would be in the market] but it's always difficult to find," he said.
"We've got good players and the top players, in this country, are not available. It's difficult to improve your team and squad. At the moment we're not even close to thinking about signing anybody else."
FC Twente v Tottenham Win to Nil: Tottenham 11/4
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Palacios battling against boos

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp acknowledges that Wilson Palacios is struggling for confidence amid criticism from White Hart Lane fans.
After a good start to his career with Spurs following his £12million arrival from Wigan in the January of 2009, the 26-year-old has experienced a dip in form.
Palacios was booed by Tottenham followers in last Sunday's eventual 2-1 win over Liverpool as the Reds led at half-time.
Redknapp's men staged a second-half comeback and Palacios improved, but there are concerns over the central midfielder's self-belief.
"On Sunday, Wilson had a little spell where he kept on giving the ball away," said Redknapp in the Daily Star.
"He lost the ball a lot and his confidence went. But in the second half he showed some character. The problem is confidence."
Palacios is expected to stay in Tottenham's first XI as Tom Huddlestone is injured and Sandro is still acclimatising to English conditions.
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Hutton wants to tighten up

Alan Hutton believes Tottenham need to tighten up at the back despite their lofty Premier League standing.
Sunday's injury-time 2-1 success over Liverpool means Spurs are fifth in the table - a point behind Manchester City.
Tottenham have conceded the most of any of the top five sides and have surprisingly kept just the one clean sheet this term.
Hutton is annoyed at how leaky Redknapp's backline has been this season and is determined to help tighten things up at the back.
The Scottish full-back knows competition for top-four places is fierce, although he sees no reason why Spurs cannot recreate their heroics of last term.
"Of course it annoys you. As a defender we always want to keep clean sheets and to only have a few is not great," he told the Daily Mirror. "It is something we will work on because we don't want to give goals away.
"But we're an attacking team with a lot of attacking players and I think that when you play like that you're going to lose a goal or two.
"We don't want to give away goals but it's one of those things. I think we've shown great character to come back all the time.
"The wins that we've had have been unbelievable. We've mixed it with the best this season and we've come out on top on a lot of occasions.
"I don't think it's ever a case of us to give up and just take a draw. We are an attacking team and we want to attack right to the last minute. We always go for it. It's exciting for the fans.
"I don't really think there's a big four anymore. I think it's that strong now that there's six, seven, even eight teams right up there and challenging for a top four spot. So it's really tough this year.
"If we keep going the way we are going and maybe stop giving away some goals I don't see why we can't be up there.
"I don't see why people should write us off. We're a massive team with a lot of good players, young players, and we've got a lot of players still to come back from injury, so it's looking good for us at the moment and hopefully we can keep on building on it."
Tottenham 11/10, Draw 12/5, Birmingham 5/2
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Modric hails Spurs spirit

Luka Modric has hailed Tottenham as the comeback kings after Sunday's 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Spurs staged another fightback as they came from behind to clinch a fourth straight win thanks to a stoppage-time strike by Aaron Lennon.
Harry Redknapp's men had come from 2-0 down at Arsenal just a week before to beat their derby rivals 3-2 and they have now come from behind to secure victory five times in the Premier League this season.
Spurs have continued to play entertaining football this term yet Modric insists there is also a new never-say-die attitude running through White Hart Lane.
"It showed again that we have character, great spirit," said the Croatian midfielder.
"We never give up and always fight to the last minute.
"It's good to know that when you are down, you can turn it around.
"We never lose confidence when we're losing, we know we can come back and we've showed that many times. It's good to know we can do that."
Tottenham had fallen behind to a 42nd-minute strike by Martin Skrtel before the Liverpool defender turned a Modric cross into his own net to draw Spurs level.
Lennon then sealed a victory which took Tottenham back up to fifth place, just a point outside the top four.
"It was a great result for us," Modric added.
"We needed to be better in the first half, we were sloppy but we also created chances.
"In the second half we were much, much better and the goal lifted us. We have great confidence. We just need to carry on now."
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Bassong hails credentials

Sebastien Bassong has echoed Harry Redknapp's sentiments and claimed Tottenham Hotspur can win the Premier League title.
The Spurs boss stated his team could go all the way this season after their last-gasp success over Liverpool on Sunday.
The victory means Tottenham are just six points behind league leaders Manchester United after 15 matches played.
Bassong emerged off the bench in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool after Younes Kaboul limped out of the game and the ex-Newcastle man thinks Spurs' squad has the strength in depth to cope with what lies ahead.
The Frenchman believes their never-say-die attitude means they have what it takes to be top come May, although he knows they will need to maintain their performances on a consistent basis.
"I believe we can win it - but I don't know if the players do," he told The Sun.
"We don't have to talk about our ability, we know what we can achieve.
"We have a wonderful squad with great players and if we carry on like this and keep on working hard, you never know what you can achieve.
"Can we win the title? Of course we can. Scoring the winner against Liverpool in the last minute is a good thing - it is what champions do.
"We need to keep doing it for the rest of the season."
Barclays Prem Winner 10/11 Win Outright: Tottenham 20/1
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Lennon snatches late win

Man of the match: Luka Modric. His pace and vision set up the equaliser. Was a constant thorn in Liverpool's side
Moment of the match: Maxi Rodriguez was sent clear by Torres but inexplicably failed to shoot. That chance, if taken, would have put Liverpool 2-0 up.
Attempt of the match: Jermain Defoe missing the target from the penalty spot
Save of the match: Heurelho Gomes making a full-stretch save to deny Maxi Rodriguez.
Goal of the game: Martin Skrtel's own goal, simply for the burst made by Luka Modric into the box.
Talking point: Can Spurs cope with this injury crisis after they lost both Kaboul and Van der Vaart to injury? Are they serious title contenders?
Tottenham stole all three points in dramatic fashion as Aaron Lennon scored an injury-time winner to beat Liverpool 2-1 at White Hart Lane.
The Reds broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time as defender Martin Skrtel reacted first to poke past Heurelho Gomes following a free-kick into the box.
Substitute Jermain Defoe squandered an excellent chance to equalise when he dragged a penalty wide on the hour mark following an inexplicable handball from David Ngog.
However, Harry Redknapp's side did not have to wait long for the leveller as Skrtel turned from hero to villain as he diverted the ball into his own net after good work from Luka Modric.
And the comeback was complete in injury time as Lennon latched on to a sweeping ball from the left to run in and slot past the despairing Pepe Reina.
There were two changes for Spurs in the starting XI as Rafael van der Vaart returned and Wilson Palacios replaced the injured Jermaine Jenas in midfield. Liverpool's only change saw Lucas return from suspension in place of Christian Poulsen.
In an even start to the game both sides came close to breaking the deadlock in an open encounter. William Gallas, so strong against Arsenal last weekend, almost got in a muddle with Gomes in the third minute but his pass-back from close range was just cleared by the Brazilian keeper.
Lennon looked bright and went on a marauding run forward only to get the ball stuck under his feet with Van der Vaart waiting in space. Modric then volleyed straight at Reina after more good work from Lennon, and at the other end Maxi Rodriguez fired narrowly wide from inside the area.
Tottenham suffered a blow in the 10th minute as playmaker Van der Vaart was forced off with an injury after trying a backheel - the Dutch star, who has been a revelation this season, was replaced by Defoe and the home side went with two up front.
Gareth Bale whipped in a corner but Peter Crouch could not get enough contact on his poke towards goal, while the energetic Maxi then forced a smart stop from Gomes following a stinging shot that was flying towards the bottom corner.
The game continued to ebb and flow from end-to-end but that decisive clear-cut chance proved evasive, despite good play in the final third by both teams.
Alan Hutton charged forward with great pace in the 26th minute but his swan dive inside the area was an embarrassing attempt to con referee Martin Atkinson into giving a penalty - the Scot's blatant acrobatics were not enough to dupe the official.
Two yellow cards followed as Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky both slid in on Gareth Bale, and Reds captain Jamie Carragher then produced a remarkable goal-saving block. So often has the Liverpool stalwart been their saviour in the past, and he stretched out a leg to deny Defoe a certain goal after Reina had only parried a Modric pull-back.
Younes Kaboul was the second casualty for Spurs when he limped off in the 36th minute as Sebastien Bassong entered the fray.
The deadlock was then broken as Skrtel reacted quickest to poke home in the 42nd minute. Meireles drifted in a free-kick and the Slovakian defender headed into the back of team-mate David Ngog, only for the ball to break loose into his path.
It should have been two in first-half stoppage time when Torres produced a wonderful piece of skill to flick through Maxi, but the Argentinian attacker tried to go round Gomes instead of pulling the trigger and the ball ran away from him.
Torres then wasted a chance before the whistle as Bassong got back brilliantly to put in a last-ditch tackle on the Spaniard, and immediately after the restart it was a case of d?j?-vu - Torres was played through one-on-one but he delayed his shot, allowing the defender to get back.
Tottenham began to turn the screw in the second-half as they probed for an equaliser and Crouch nodded a corner back across goal but neither Defoe nor Gallas could turn it home. And Liverpool needed another superb clearance in the 52nd minute when Meireles nodded off the line to keep out Bale's half-volley.
Spurs had a golden opportunity to level things up when they were awarded a penalty just before the hour mark. Bale's free-kick hit Ngog's raised arm in the wall and despite protests from the away side, referee Atkinson pointed to the spot.
Skrtel was booked for dissent but he need not have worried, as Defoe sent the penalty wide of the target with a poor effort, not even testing Reina.
However, Harry Redknapp's men did not have to wait long for the equaliser, as Skrtel diverted the ball into his own net in the 65th minute after Modric had drifted through the Liverpool defence to pull-back from the by-line.
There were appeals for a penalty when Benoit Assou-Ekotto slid in on Dirk Kuyt, and Meireles went close with a long-range effort, before Jamie Carragher went off with a dislocated shoulder.
But it was late drama as Lennon latched on to a Crouch knock-down in stoppage time and he showed great composure to slot past Reina and earn his side the victory.
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Redknapp hails character

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp praised his side's never-say-die attitude following their comeback win over Liverpool.
Spurs battled back from a goal down to beat the Reds 2-1 at White Hart Lane, as Aaron Lennon scored an injury-time winner to seal a thrilling victory.
Martin Skrtel had opened the scoring in the first-half but then netted an unfortunate own goal to make it 1-1.
Redknapp hailed the character of his side and is delighted with the way Tottenham keep battling in games.
"The lads showed great character. To come back from behind again was just amazing," he told Sky Sports.
"I've had teams in the past at times when they go one down and you might as well go home.
"With this team we come back and keep going - there's goals, we're exciting, we play fantastic, open football and we're never out of a game.
"I think we've got the ability to always create chances, that's for sure."
He added: "They (Liverpool) started well and were dangerous, it was a fantastic game.
"Liverpool played their part, they were always a threat. They had opportunities to score again, they had good chances, we became disorganised.
"But we got after them a bit better, had shots blocked, missed a penalty and eventually managed to get the goal.
"Younes Kaboul came off and obviously Rafael van der Vaart - it's difficult then, you've used two subs."
Redknapp reserved special praise for match-winner Lennon, William Gallas and midfielder Luka Modric, who played an integral part in the equaliser.
"Aaron's back, he's back fit and he's sharp again which is important. We play with two wingers and get loads of width, that's how we play," he said.
"I thought yet again today William Gallas turned in a fantastic defensive performance for us.
"Luka Modric dragged us back into the game with that fantastic run. Overall I was delighted with the performance."
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Van der Vaart woe for Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur fear Rafael van der Vaart could be sidelined for a month after suffering a hamstring injury against Liverpool.
Van der Vaart lasted just 12 minutes of Sunday's 2-1 win at White Hart Lane before being replaced by Jermain Defoe.
The Dutchman has been hampered by injury niggles since his move to Spurs from Real Madrid and Harry Redknapp believes the World Cup may have had an impact on the playmaker's fitness.
Redknapp also lost Younes Kaboul to a hip injury against Liverpool and is waiting for confirmation on how long the two players will be out.
"Rafa felt it tear, so that doesn't look too good," said Redknapp.
"Younes felt he might have torn a muscle in his hip. He felt that go.
"It's so disappointing for Rafa. He keeps picking up little injuries.
"It's probably because he's missed a pre-season or was away at the World Cup and not played many games.
"When your fitness is a bit low it's hard to get up to speed. He keeps getting little nicks."
Barclays Prem Winner 10/11 Win Outright: Tottenham 20/1
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King sets sights on comeback

Ledley King admits a date has not been set for his return to the Tottenham side but the defender hopes to have recovered from a groin injury sooner rather than later.
The classy centre-back's career has been majorly disrupted by fitness setbacks and his latest problem has meant that he has not played since facing Fulham in mid-October.
Tottenham have won only two Premier League matches in King's absence but they dramatically defeated derby rivals Arsenal last weekend and a midweek win over Werder Bremen booked a place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
The 30-year-old is therefore keen to regain full fitness and help Spurs in their exciting endeavours at home and abroad, however, the nature of his injury has been a hurdle.
"It has been a bit of a complicated one, not as straightforward as the ones I have had before," King told Sky Sports News.
"So at the moment there is no time limit but we are hoping (it will be) soon."
King's fellow centre-back, Michael Dawson, has also been undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining a knee injury in September when playing in England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria.
However, the former Nottingham Forest man returns to training on Friday and he could be fit for the first-team in two weeks' time.
Manager Harry Redknapp said in The Sun: "It's great news. We've missed Michael and having him back is a major boost. The lads will welcome him back."
Having already secured a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, Spurs could guarantee pole position ahead of Inter Milan in Group A with victory at FC Twente in their concluding game.
Topping the group would, in theory, secure a more favourable draw in the knockout stages by avoiding the likes of fellow group winners Real Madrid and Barcelona.
But King insists Spurs are capable of defeating any of Europe's heavyweights, as he added: "That's our aim now, if we can finish top and possibly make the draw a little bit easier for ourselves then that would be good.
"I am sure, we all know, that whoever we are playing will be a good side to make it through to there.
"But over two legs there is no reason why we can't beat anyone."
Group A Win Outright: Tottenham 8/15
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Roy plotting Spurs 'surprise'

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson thinks that Fernando Torres and David Ngog are the key to causing an upset at Tottenham on Sunday.
The Reds travel to White Hart Lane this weekend in the unusual role as underdogs, having been usurped by Spurs as one of the Premier League's top four clubs last season before making a terrible start to the current campaign.
But Hodgson, who will again be without injured captain Steven Gerrard, saw his side defeat rock-bottom West Ham with ease last Saturday evening to ensure they have now lost only one game in eight matches in all competitions.
After an apparent lack of fitness and confidence, Fernando Torres has rediscovered his goalscoring form in that period, while Ngog impressed against the Hammers when starting in Gerrard's absence.
And Hodgson thinks the strike pair could have an important part to play in North London, as he said: "We've had a very good run now and one defeat in eight is a good run at any stage of the season.
"We have to be happy with that but we are not stupid. We know that if you go to Tottenham it could be two defeats in nine but if we play like we did against West Ham we can make sure Tottenham don't have a cake-walk.
"And if we can keep Fernando Torres and David Ngog firing we may spring a surprise.
"Wins are hard to come by against the top teams and we have got to admit that Tottenham are no longer the Tottenham of old.
"They are a top team and have recently beaten the European champions (Inter Milan) in the Champions League. It is an expensively assembled team and we are not playing against mugs anymore."
But Hodgson, who succeeded Rafa Benitez in the summer, acknowledges that Liverpool's record of only six wins in 26 matches on the road in the Premier League is a concern.
"The away form has been bad for a long time," he added. "I'm afraid in this league away victories are hard to come by.
"I believe if we continue to play the way we did against West Ham we may get one or two but it is the level of performance which counts."
Meanwhile, deputy-skipper Jamie Carragher admits that the absence of Gerrard, who damaged his hamstring in England's friendly defeat to France last week, is a setback.
The centre-back said: "There's no doubt Steven will be missed whether we win, lose or draw because he is such an important player."
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Gallas hails Harry 'magic'

William Gallas has hailed Harry Redknapp as the inspiration behind Tottenham's return to prominence.
The experienced coach inherited an ailing side in 2008, but has been able to turn Spurs into a respected outfit both at home and abroad.
Qualification for the UEFA Champions League last term saw the North London outfit return to football's top table, and a 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Wednesday took them into the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition.
The club also remain well-placed to replicate their fourth-placed heroics of last season and French centre-half Gallas thinks Redknapp must take the credit for such a remarkable reversal in fortune.
"Maybe he has something magic, you know," said the 33-year-old, who was snapped up by Spurs as a free agent over the summer.
Gallas admits Redknapp has got the entire Spurs camp believing in themselves, with Sunday's 3-2 victory in the North London derby, achieved after falling two goals behind, proof of the club's never-say-die spirit.
"After Saturday (against Arsenal), I think the players know we can do something," he added.
"We have the quality, so what we have to understand is to believe in ourselves and go on the pitch and fight for 90 minutes."
England international Peter Crouch is another man who believes Tottenham stand on the brink of glory, having under-achieved for too long.
"Right from the start when I came to this club, I was looking round the dressing room thinking, 'how have we not achieved anything?', and I think it's only a matter of time," said the striker.
"Last season, obviously finishing fourth was a great achievement but I think we can go one better and try to win something this year."
Barclays Prem Top 4 Finish 10/11 Top 4 Finish: Tottenham 9/4
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Harry lauds deadly Defoe

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has hailed the clinical striking ability of Jermain Defoe.
Defoe returned to action at the weekend following an ankle injury sustained whilst on international duty with England in September.
The 28-year-old's availability is a boost to Redknapp, with the forward's return of 18 Premier League goals last season helping the club achieve UEFA Champions League football.
And Redknapp has hailed Defoe's ability, expressing his belief that the forward is capable of consistently scoring over 20 goals a campaign.
"I have never worked with a more single-minded goalscorer than Defoe. He has always been like that," he said.
"But then that's what great goalscorers do - focus. (Jimmy) Greavsie did it. (Gary) Lineker was like that. I can see a bit of Ian Wright in him as well.
"It's up to Jermain to try to emulate the greats. I think he can actually score more goals than he does. He should get 20-plus every year. Last year he had an unbelievable spell and then dried up."
He added: "I told Jermain last year 'It's wrong if you don't get 20 goals each and every season'. I also tipped him to be leading scorer in the Premier League. I told him it was about time he did it.
"I still think there's part of his game he can improve. Jermain's goalscoring is fantastic and his movement too. But to be the complete frontman, his hold-up play can be better."
Tottenham v Werder Bremen To Score in 90mins: Defoe, J. 5/4
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Jenas targets clean sheets

Jermaine Jenas believes Tottenham Hotspur must improve defensively if they are to challenge for honours this season.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp recently stated that his side could make a push for the Premier League title during the current campaign.
And Jenas believes such a feat could only be doable if they address their frailties at the back, with Tottenham conceding in each of their last 17 games.
"It's something we need to rectify, and soon," he said ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Werder Bremen.
"It's great winning games 4-3 and so on but there's going to come a point where you need to win 1-0.
"All the top teams do it and it's an area we need to improve on if we are going to do anything special this year."
A victory for Spurs against Werder would secure their passage to the last 16 of the Champions League, and Jenas added: "A victory is a victory.
"But one with a clean sheet, we'd take a bit more pride in."
Tottenham v Werder Bremen Clean Sheet: Tottenham 11/8
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