Aaron Lennon is set for a month on the sidelines according to reports this morning. They state that Lennon tore his groin muscle late on in the 2-0 win over West Ham on Monday; the winger was subbed with two minutes to go in that game but what appeared to be a minor knock has turned out to be something a little more serious.

Although there is currently no official confirmation of the injury, this morning’s stories do quote a “club spokesman” who makes it clear that Lennon faces a spell on the sidelines…

“He will be out for a few weeks with the tear. It is not good news.”

This comes as a major blow to Tottenham’s top four ambitions. Lennon is in the form of his life and is regularly terrorising defences with his pace, trickery and improved crossing ability. In truth, Lennon’s fantasy returns could have been stronger of late – 3 assists in his last 7 league starts belies the kind of form he has shown. Seven Fantasy Premier League bonus points in that spell offer better indication of that.

Lennon could now miss League encounters with Liverpool, Hull, Fulham and Birmingham throughout January. You have to question just how his absence will impact on Tottenham’s ability to open up opponents. This could well have a knock-on effect on the fantasy returns of Defoe and Crouch over this spell of games.

Harry Redknapp can at least sweeten this bitter pill with the return to fitness of Luka Modric. He made came back into the Tottenham lineup against West Ham and could now gain regular starts with fellow Croatian Niko Kranjcar. Redknapp has previously eluded that he sees the possibility in starting both players in the same eleven. This injury to Lennon now gives him an unwanted opportunity to try it. A recall for Jermaine Jenas would be another avenue that Harry could possibly explore.