Spurs dealt Modric blow
Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow with the news that Croatian playmaker Luka Modric has been forced to undergo surgery for appendicitis, according to reports in his homeland.
In a statement on the Croatian FA's website, it is suggested that this will mean the 25-year-old will be out of action for at least 10 days, which would rule him out of Spurs' Premier League matches at Blackburn on Wednesday evening and Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
He would also miss Croatia's friendly against the Czech Republic next Wednesday.
It is believed Modric had his inflamed appendix removed on Tuesday evening, while the rest of Harry Redknapp's squad travelled to the North West for their match at Ewood Park.
The Croatian has become a key figure in the Spurs midfield, and his ingenuity would be sorely missed by a Tottenham side who have found goals harder to come by of late.
The news will cause further frustration to White Hart Lane boss Redknapp, who saw his side knocked out of the FA Cup following a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Fulham on Sunday, before failing to secure a deal for a top striker before the closing of the winter transfer window.
Tottenham are already without Younes Kaboul, Ledley King, Gareth Bale, Tom Huddlestone and the suspended Michael Dawson for Wednesday evening's Premier League clash.
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Gary Parkinson is a freelance writer, editor, trainer, muso, singer, actor and coach. He spent 14 years at FourFourTwo as the Global Digital Editor and continues to regularly contribute to the magazine and website, including major features on Euro 96, Subbuteo, Robert Maxwell and the inside story of Liverpool's 1990 title win. He is also a Bolton Wanderers fan.