Dawson Update: Defender Has Torn Ankle Ligaments

Bad news out of Spurs Lodge this afternoon. Tottenham Hotspur received the results which confirmed Michael Dawson has torn ankle ligaments after being subbed off last night in a hard fall against Stevenage. The injury will keep Dawson out of the rest of the season in an estimated 10-12 week recovery period. The injury all but wraps up any chances Dawson had of making the England squad for this summer's Euros. On the bright side for Tottenham, the recovery from the injury should have Dawson back in time for Tottenham's pre-season in the summer and should not jeopardize his 2012-13 campaign.

In other injury news, Aaron Lennon confirmed that he has re-injured his problematic hamstring after leaving the Stevenage match last night. The length and severity of the injury is not known, but Lennon's past hamstring injuries have consistently had the winger missing three weeks in recovery.

As for Dawson's injury, the defense becomes much thinner. Ryan Nelsen looks poised to get more minutes to fill in as Ledley King's replacement for the games when King must rest. Luckily for Tottenham Dawson's injury comes at relatively good timing, as William Gallas is training and was healthy enough to make the Tottenham bench last night. Gallas would bring some needed experience and depth as Tottenham pushes for a top-3 finish and FA Cup.

Lennon's absence creates a long-standing problem spot at right wing. Niko Kranjcar filled in the role admirably and looks the most probable replacement until Lennon is fit again. Rafael van der Vaart was pushed into the role last night and gave his typical width-less performance. Luka Modric could also be pushed out wide into the role as a combination of Scott Parker, Sandro, and Jake Livermore is used in central midfield.