Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Wilson Palacios has been ruled out for up to three weeks after under-going knee surgery this week. The dynamic Honduran felt discomfort in his right knee during training last week and after reporting the injury to the club’s medical staff, underwent arthroscopic surgery.
Palacios should return in time for the Champions League quarter final but will miss out on games against West Ham and former club Wigan.
Palacios was excellent as Spurs overcame AC Milan in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie last month, despite football bets placing the Serie A league leaders as favourites .
There was a time last season where an injury to the midfielder would have spelt trouble for manager Harry Redknapp, but the emergence of Sandro gives the former Portsmouth boss has at least some cover in midfield. The Brazilian looked to be struggling to settle in during his first season but has come alive in the Champions League, and put in a breathless performance to help keep the Italian giants at bay.
Boss Harry Redknapp’s squad has been plagued by injury this season, with key trio Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart all spending prolonged spells on the side lines, and with Tom Huddlestone still some way from returning to full fitness the loss of Palacios means Sandro and Jermaine Jenas will likely have to fight it out for the remaining midfield spot alongside Modric.
After an impressive season last year, Palacios has struggled to hold down a first team sport since the arrival of Van der Vaart and Redknapp’s preference to play the Dutchman behind a single striker with Modric and Huddlestone in midfield before the latter’s injury.
Redknapp paid £12 million for the 26-year old and he has featured in 20 Premier League games so far this season, and will likely target the crucial game against Manchester City on 17th April for his return. The game could go some way to deciding on Champions League qualification for next season, and with Spurs slight football betting outsiders, the return of Palacios could provide a timely boost.
Rest as much as possible before returning for we have a difficult task ahead.Both Palacios & Sandro have since improved in their defensive roles. I hope others can follow their pattern of play.They were responsible in frustrating the opposition strikeforce by shadowing them & putting in their feet correctly without showing any fear.
They are two of our hopefuls that can get us somewhere with their tireless efforts.