Jol short of options as Carrick drops out

Michael Carrick has joined Tottenham's growing band of injured midfielders.

The former West Ham player is doubtful for tomorrow's tie against Brighton with a calf problem.

Head coach Martin Jol is already missing Sean Davies (knee), Simon Davies (virus) and Thimothee Atouba (knee), and Michael Brown (groin) is also doubtful even though he has returned to training.

Coach Martin Jol is anxious for his players not to dwell on Pedro Mendes's infamous 'goal that never was' at Old Trafford on Tuesday, which could ultimately hurt Arsenal and Chelsea more than Spurs.

The Dutchman said: "Maybe in the end Chelsea or Arsenal will be the victims if United are champions at the end of the year, and they need a point. It's more about them than us."

The incident has led to fresh calls for the use of technology to assist referees but Jol does not believe the requried law changes are imminent.

He said: "I saw some rugby on the television and it takes 10 seconds for you see 'try' on a screen. That's the only criticism you can make. It will be a long time before we do that."

Meanwhile, Spurs are expected to be active during this month's transfer window. They appear to have missed out on Crewe striker Dean Ashton but could land Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid after increasing their offer for the Irish international to £4million.