Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits they don't know what is causing Jonathan Woodgate's injury problems.

The centre-half will miss tomorrow's Premier League clash at Everton with a groin problem which has not gone away since the end of last season.

And Redknapp's revelation has sparked fresh fears over Woodgate's long-term future.

The White Hart Lane boss said that the injection the England defender had last week failed to clear the problem and he does not know when his star will return.

He said: "The injection doesn't seem to have done the trick. I don't know if he can have another operation. He's had so many.

"I don't know what the next step is really. It's difficult to know. Some people want to inject it, others want an operation. It's very hard to get to the bottom of it.

"It's the same injury he's had since last season.

"When you get those type of injuries they're the worst.

"There's no light you can see. With a broken ankle at least you know what you're deal ]ing with. But I don't know what we do next - we've got to speak with the fitness people."