Seyi Olofinjana has received disappointing news regarding the back problem which forced him home early from the African Cup of Nations.

  The Nigerian midfielder has been told that the condition needs six or seven weeks of complete rest.

  "It's a blow to him and us," says manager Glenn Hoddle. "But this problem needs to be sorted. It's the reason why Seyi has not been at his best this season."

  George Ndah is back running after suffering a torn medial ligament and it is hoped he will return to full training in two to three weeks.

  Scans have revealed that Mark Davies has bone bruising to the ankle that was injured in a tackle during the Manchester United match. He is being closely monitored and it is hoped he may be fit for the weekend.

  Carl Cort - who had a clear up operation on his knee - is still being nursed through the early stages of his comeback.

  The boss adds: "Carl still has some hangover with his knee and we are having to protect him a bit - which is why we have brought him off in the last couple of games.

  "We are having to work closely with him to make sure he will be ok for the end of the week."