Jol won't gamble on Lennon

Martin Jol has ruled out gambling on Aaron Lennon's fitness against Slavia Prague.

The 19-year-old has a minor tear in the cartilage in his knee but having initially been ruled out for a month, could be available for selection on Thursday.

Lennon trained with the rest of the Spurs squad on Wednesday after spending previous sessions with the club's fitness staff.

However, with the possibility remaining that Lennon could still require surgery, Jol says the England international will undergo a fitness test prior to been included in Prague.

"We will remain cautious. His injury has settled down and that was a bit surprising," said Jol.

"But he is young fellow. He will have a fitness test and there is a possibility that he will be considered for selection.

"Aaron has a minor tear in his cartilage but he is a young lad. His knee stiffened up a bit on Sunday and that was a big concern to us.

"But he trained yesterday, not with the squad, but with the fitness coach and he seemed to be almost 100 percent. 

"We will have a look at him again and make a decision whether he can be included in the squad.

"It won't be Aaron's decision. We will have a look at him and talk to the medical staff.

"He wants to play but I won't gamble. I won't sacrifice players because we have a big squad. We have different options and Aaron is important to us. If he is 100 percent he will be in the squad."

Dimitar Berbatov is also struggling with a groin problem, while Hossam Ghaly and Danny Murphy have not travelled, but Jol still believes he will be able to name a very strong side.

He added: "Berbatov still has a minor problem with his groin and he will do a test. But we still have 19 players with us so we will field our strongest team.

"Hossam Ghaly has got a groin injury so he stayed in London and Danny Murphy has a little calf problem, so he stayed at home as well."