Defoe has been in the goals since returning to White Hart Lane

Tottenham will be without striker Jermain Defoe until April because of a foot injury he picked up in training.

Defoe, 26, was scheduled to have an operation on Tuesday after suffering a stress fracture to his right foot.

It is expected that Defoe, who rejoined Spurs from Portsmouth last month, will be absent for up to 10 weeks.

Manager Harry Redknapp moved to re-sign forward Robbie Keane from Liverpool on transfer deadline day for �12m to provide cover for the absent Defoe.

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"Following further scans and examination, Jermain Defoe will undergo surgery after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot," said Tottenham in a statement.

"Early detection has allowed the club to opt for the best long-term treatment."

Defoe will miss the Carling Cup final against Manchester United at Wembley on 1 March while the returning Keane will also be absent because he is cup-tied.

Spurs are 14th in the table, but just one point clear of the bottom three with 14 Premier League fixtures remaining.

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