Steven Pienaar out after groin surgery

Steven Pienaar has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash against his former club Everton, and will be sidelined for up to six weeks after undergoing groin surgery this morning.

The South Africa international, who left the Toffees for Tottenham in January, limped off during the first half of the final pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.

After the game, Harry Redknapp admitted his fears that the 29-year-old midfielder had torn his groin.

And, following scans and consultations with an independent specialist, Pienaar has undergone an operation which will rule him out of Spurs’ busy start to the season.

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