Dawson ruled out for three weeks

Dawson had to be stretchered off after falling heavily

Tottenham defender Michael Dawson is expected to be out for up to three weeks after suffering a partially torn ankle ligament.

The 25-year-old fell awkwardly on his left foot during Spurs' 1-0 home win over Newcastle last Sunday.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was concerned the centre-back may have broken a bone, describing the injury as "nasty".

But Dawson will hope to be fit for the club's final two matches of the season against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Dawson was only playing against the Magpies after Ledley King felt a twinge in his knee.

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Previously, his most recent start for Tottenham had been on 4 March in the 4-0 win over Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, Redknapp is without Roman Pavlyuchenko (back) for the trip to Manchester United but Jermain Defoe could make his first start in three months after recovering from a foot injury.