Tottenham have been rocked by the loss of Andy Reid with knee ligament damage which is likely to keep the Republic of Ireland winger out of action for up to six weeks.
Reid was forced out of their 1-0 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night. Spurs coach Martin Jol confirmed that the injury is a recurrence of the one which has dogged the player's season.
"He has the same injury as before, a medial ligament problem and it seems to be worse, so he'll be out for four to six weeks. That's a big disappointment," said Jol.
It also means Reid will be unavailable for Steve Staunton's first game in charge when the Republic take on Sweden in a friendly at Lansdowne Road on March 1st.
Reid's injury leaves Spurs short of options in midfield with Edgar Davids and Teemu Tainio both currently recovering from knocks and doubtful for the home clash with Charlton at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Meanwhile new signing Danny Murphy will not be allowed to make his Spurs debut against his former club. Spurs agreed to Charlton's request to keep Murphy out of the game after the former England midfielder clinched his move across London just minutes before transfer window deadline on Tuesday night.