Reports suggest Jonathan Woodgate may be forced to quit the game after being forced to endure surgery in Australia on Friday in an attempt to solve his long-standing groin injury.

The 30-year-old Tottenham defender has made just three appearances this season and was forced to travel to the USA recently for a lengthy spell of treatment which failed to cure the problem.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said:"Jonathan Woodgate's had an operation today out in Australia, so we're keeping our fingers crossed.

"He went to America and now he's in Australia seeing a specialist there. There were a couple of options but they feel they have the right answer now. The Australian people operated on him at midnight and I'll ring him today to see how he is.

"There's no chance he'll play again this season, though. He's going to spend the next three weeks in Australia recovering with the specialist."

Meanwhile, Redknapp has cooled reports suggesting he is ready to line up a move for Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole at the end of this season. The former West Ham boss added:"I'd be surprised if he left Chelsea. He isn't going to do an awful lot better than being there, is he?

"If he's a free then he's going to be a fantastic one for someone, for sure. He's a terrific player. I'm sure that if Chelsea don't decide to keep him, there will be a big queue that will take him."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email