Spurs could go into the new season with a shortage of centre-backs following news that Anthony Gardner is struggling to make the kick-off. Gardner has suffered a back injury in the pre-season game against Orlando Pirates but is still hopeful of being available come August 11. Ledley King however, looks to be out of action for significantly longer. The England man has had to delay his comeback from knee surgery and is apparently unlikely to return to any kind of action until September.
This leaves Jol with a likely partnership of Dawson and new signing Kaboul for the season opener, leaving only Rocha as a possible stand-in. Gareth Bale is another Spurs defender struggling. The new left-back signing has yet to return to pre-season action after injuring his thigh in the friendly at St Patricks Athletic earlier this month.