Defoe illness adds to Spurs gloom

Tottenham's problems worsened today with the news leading scorer Jermain Defoe has been struck down by a stomach bug.

The England striker rushed to see the club's doctor following last night's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, as Spurs' players began to face up to the extent of their crisis.

Spurs have lost six successive Premiership games and will equal the worst run in the club's history if they lose at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Defoe should recover in time to face Steve McClaren's side but will miss training today, as coach Martin Jol attempts to lift his players following another demoralising defeat.

Morocco international Noureddine Naybet admits Spurs' season has reached crisis point. He said: "This is a moment of crisis but we have a new coach, new system and new players and it's only our second game together.

"We're not a good team, This is the first time I've lost six consecutive games. It's the worst run of my career and I don't know what to do. I'm very concerned about it but what can we do?"