Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits it is a blow to see Aaron Lennon suffer a setback in his recovery from injury. The 22-year-old has not featured since the end of December, but had been on course to shortly complete his rehabilitation.
However, after feeling discomfort during training, an MRI scan highlighted a fresh problem.
Redknapp wants to first see Lennon back terrorising defenders in a Spurs shirt before any talk of representing England at the World Cup.
"Aaron was close to getting fit, but has had a bit of a set-back," said Redknapp.
"He has had a scan, and has just torn a couple fibres apparently.
"It is difficult and has been dragging on a long time. We will just have to wait and see.
"Hopefully it should not put him back much from where he was, and he could still be fit in a couple of weeks."
Redknapp added: "At first the diagnosis was he could be back in four or five weeks, but you never know with these groin problems, they can take time and he has had a couple of setbacks.
"Aaron has worked hard to get fit, but every time seems to have a little problem there.
"Hopefully, though, it will get sorted out and he will be back soon.
"So long as he gets back and gets enough match action for Tottenham to take us where we want to go, then the World Cup will follow.
"But first and foremost, we have to get him back playing for Tottenham."
