Tottenham Hotspur centre-half Ledley King had to leave the field in the match against Wigan Athletic yesterday (February 21st) with a torn muscle, manager Harry Redknapp has said.

"Ledley looks like he's torn a muscle," stated the Spurs boss, adding: "That's the problem. He's such a fantastic player, it shouldn't be too long."

The diagnosis of a short-term injury unrelated to the knee problems that have blighted the player's career may come as a major relief to both him and the club.

However, a muscle tear is still an injury that may benefit from having portable ultrasound treatment on it to aid a swift recovery.

Ledley King's persistent knee condition in recent years has limited the number of games he can play.

Last November, England coach Fabio Capello ruled King out of his World Cup plans after he assessed the defender's problem, declaring that the inability of the centre-half to train regularly meant he could not be reliably included.