Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has had surgery to address his groin injury.

The centre-half has been unable to play at all this pre-season and was forced to undergo surgery in Germany to beat the problem.

He will now begin rehabilitation in a bid to be back in action for Spurs as soon as possible.

"Jonathan Woodgate underwent minor surgery on the groin problem that has prevented his participation in our pre-season preparations," a club spokesman said.

"Jonathan will now begin a rehabilitation programme with our physios."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will be hoping for a quick recovery as he battle to fill vacancies in his team's defence due to injuries to fellow defenders Michael Dawson and Ledley King.