Assou-Ekotto set for sidelines

Defender out for the season after surgery

Last updated: 30th November 2007

Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 23-year-old, who joined Spurs from French club Lens in June 2006, had made only two first-team appearances this season.

"Benoit had an operation on the knee on Thursday morning, and the recovery time post op means he will miss the rest of the season," sporting director Damien Comolli told his club's official website.

"Benoit is still only young but he is very disappointed to be out injured for this length of time."

Tottenham host Birmingham in the Premier League on Sunday.