Defoe out of England squad for Brazil friendly, Villas-Boas confirms

Feb 3, 2013 5:00:00 PM

The striker had to be replaced in the first half of Tottenham's 1-0 win over West Brom with an ankle injury which is likely to keep him out of action for around three weeks

Jermain Defoe has been ruled out of England's upcoming friendly match with Brazil after injuring his ankle in Tottenham's 1-0 victory over West Brom on Sunday.

A second-half strike from Gareth Bale gave Spurs three vital points at the Hawthorns, although they had to do it without the striker, who had to be replaced by Lewis Holtby after 39 minutes.

Speaking after the match, Defoe's manager Andre Villas-Boas said he expected to be without his player for around three weeks, although only a scan would reveal the true extent of any damage.

“He is definitely out of the England squad and our Newcastle game for sure,” Villas-Boas said to Sky Sports.

“We just have to scan it, but at the moment it doesn’t look too good. Normally it is the ligament on his ankle and this should keep him out for around three weeks.

“Hopefully there is not any extra damage but only when we have the scan will we be able to know for sure.

“Now we just have to focus on getting him back and continue to work with the options we have.

“Clint Dempsey is a different type of striker if we play him there and it will require a certain level of adaptation but I think we can make it work.”

More to follow....

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