Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks through injury.

Dawson sustained medial ligament damage during England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria and will miss the trip to Switzerland this week, as well as October’s clash with Montenegro.

He is also expected to be sidelined for at least three Champions League group games, including Tottenham’s visit to the San Siro to face reigning European Champions Inter Milan.

 

Dawson, 26, had to be stretchered off in agony during the second half of England’s 4-0 win over the Bulgarians at Wembley.

England boss Fabio Capello has decided against calling up a replacement for their second Euro 2012 qualifier against the Swiss in Basel.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for Dawson, who was looking to maximize his opportunity at international level due to John Terry and Rio Ferdinand being unavailable through injuries of their own.

And having played a key role n Tottenham’s Champions League qualification last season, he will probably miss the majority of the group campaign.

His absence should now pave the way for recent signing William Gallas start regularly over the next couple of months.

Redknapp said: “It could have been his cruciate ligament and that would have been the end of the season for him but as it is, it's not such a long job.”