Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted he has serious defensive concerns ahead of the new season.

Redknapp is facing the prospect of starting the new campaign without either the injury-plagued Jonathan Woodgate or captain Ledley King.

Woodgate made only three appearances last season following a long-running groin problem which required surgery.

Meanwhile, King's chronic knee problems means he cannot train fully and his appearances must be carefully managed.

King also had a groin problem picked up while on World Cup duty with England.

"Jonathan will not be fit for the start of the season. He's in a position where he can't train or kick a ball," explained Redknapp, who also has fellow central defenders Sebastien Bassong, Younes Kaboul and Michael Dawson to call upon.

"Ledley has come back and his knee is not great and he has a groin problem."

Meanwhile, Redknapp claims that despite the injury problems, his squad which finished fourth last season can seriously challenge for the Premier League title.

He added:"You have to go in believing. I said last year we could get into the Champions League and we managed to do so.

"If you don't aim for the top you are never going to reach there. I think we could have a real go this year."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email