King set for 'a while' on the sidelines

Ledley King faces a further spell on the sidelines after suffering an abductor muscle strain during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle.

The Tottenham defender limped off after just half-an-hour, before being replaced by Sebastien Bassong.

And Harry Redknapp has admitted he is disappointed to see the 31-year-old out of action once again.

"He's got an abductor strain," he told reporters after the game.

"He's a fantastic player but his knee blows up like a balloon every time he plays so he can't train.

"He plays on a Saturday and comes out the following Friday and has a jog for five minutes and then plays on the Saturday again.

"His body is nowhere near fit so he's always open to pulling muscles and getting strains. That's what's happened today.

"I wouldn't like to say (how long he will be out for) but it will be a while I think."

Redknapp is reported to have told King that he has to play at least 20 games this season or risk not having his contract renewed, which expires at the end of the season.