Club skipper Ledley King underwent surgery on his left knee on Monday night. King has been troubled by chronic knee problems throughout his career and he had a minor operation called an arthroscopy on his left knee on Monday night.
Tottenham said in a statement: "Ledley King underwent a successful arthroscopy on his left knee last night.
"The defender is expected to rest for up to 10 days before progressing to full activity within a further 10 days."
The surgery rules the defender out of the club's pre-season tour to South Africa, which begins on Wednesday.
The London club are hopeful that the 30-year-old will be fit in time for the new season, which begins in a month's time against Everton.
King will be hoping to persuade manager Harry Redknapp to extend his current deal, which is due to expire next summer, having seen injury-plagued defender Jonathan Woodgate released last week.
