In his absence, Tottenham will rely on fellow strikers Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Robbie Keane while England could turn to Crouch, Fulham's Bobby Zamora or Sunderland striker Darren Bent who scored the third goal in Tuesday's 3-1 qualifying victory in Switzerland.

BBC: Tottenham star Jermain Defoe out for up to three months

Niko Kranjcar put Spurs ahead, tapping in after Stephen Ireland had blocked Peter Crouch's initial header.

BBC: Tottenham 3-0 Manchester City

Villa striker Peter Crouch squandered the best chance of the half two minutes before the interval.

BBC: Vassell sinks City