Jonathan Woodgate has been plagued with a groin injury that has baffled everyone since the pre-season of last summer. He was confined to only three appearances the entire season after being such an important squad member the previous campaign. ‘Woody’ flew out to Australia and USA in search of a remedy and though he may still not know the extent of the injury, he has been slowly making progress. Spurs have high hopes that he will be fit for the new season.
A new Premier League rule of naming a twenty-five man squad before the new season is due to take effect, and if Woodgate is fit enough to make the list he would be vying with the likes of Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Sebastien Bassong, brought in as his backup, and Younes Kaboul for that middle position. Having a tight squad such as Spurs do, it’s bound to create some strong competition for places; as Woodgate has skipped their trip over to the United States of America this month to work on a personal training program, he will hopefully be up for the challenge in a few weeks.
His future could be dependent upon the next couple of months – whether or not he can make that starting 25 man squad. Manager Harry Redknapp spoke to the newspaper saying, “It’s make or break time for Jonathan now. He has got to come back and play; if he is not ready for the start of the season it will be difficult for him. When he gets his boots on and starts playing, hopefully, he will be all right.”
“He is a fantastic player and one of the best center-halves around. We just take it day by day with him and see how he progresses.”
Jill Guthrie
