Woodgate must prove fitness

Spurs defender unlikely to make 25-man squad

Last updated: 27th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Woodgate must prove fitness

Woodgate: May not make squad

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Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has five weeks to prove his fitness or he could be replaced, according to manager Harry Redknapp.

The former England centre-back has not played since November and is not looking likely to make the final 25-man squad that new Premier League rules now dictate must be named at the end of August.

The talented 30-year-old has suffered with a career blighted by injury in spells at Real Madrid, Middlesbrough and Spurs, but Redknapp appears ready to call time on him if he shows no sign of recovery.

Woodgate's contract is due to expire at the end of the season and, if not included, he will not have played in over a year should he return.

Nowhere near

"Woody's nowhere near at the moment. Nowhere near," said Redknapp.

"It must be really hard for him. He's nowhere near kicking a ball.

"He's been out for a year, been in America and Australia, but he's still nowhere near.

"I just couldn't put him in my 25. It's impossible at the moment.

"If he doesn't start playing before the start of the season he's got no chance.

"You can't have somebody in who's never going to play. If he's not going to be fit... He's got to really prove that between now and the start of the season."