Tottenham Hotspur suffered a blow last night as Dutch schemer Rafael van der Vaart picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

 

The former Real Madrid man was taken off at half time in the clash at White Hart Lane.

 

And it now looks clear that he will miss Spurs’ run of festive fixtures, returning only in the new year.

 

Manager Harry Redknapp was asked whether Van der Vaart would be out for the rest of 2011 and replied: "Yes, it looks that way."

 

The Dutchman would miss Tottenham’s Christmas double-header against two newly promoted sides.

 

Redknapp must take his men to Norwich on 27th December and then a trip to Wales is on the agenda with Swansea the opponents on 31st December.

 

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