Midfielder Luka Modric could miss the first leg of Tottenham's Champions League tie with AC Milan on 15 February after having his appendix removed.The 25-year-old is expected to be out for two weeks because his case of acute appendicitis required surgery.
If Spurs' diagnosis is accurate, Modric will also miss league matches against Blackburn, Bolton and Sunderland.
Tottenham are already without midfielders Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone through injury.
Modric, who has played in 20 of Tottenham's 23 league games this season, was absent for two weeks after suffering a leg injury against West Brom in September.
Get well soon Luka, he will be a massive loss for us
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Tottenham failed with a late attempt to sign Blackpool playmaker Charlie Adam hours before the transfer window closed on 31 January.
Manager Harry Redknapp may now rue his inability to complete that deal as his side attempt to make their way through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Modric's latest setback comes at an unfortunate time for Redknapp, who is also coping with a spate of injuries to defenders.
Younes Kaboul underwent a knee operation on Tuesday, while captain Ledley King requires surgery on a groin injury.
Fellow centre-back Michael Dawson is banned for three matches following his red card against Fulham in the FA Cup and William Gallas is carrying a hip injury.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport