Tottenham Hotspur isn't the only side with injury concerns ahead of their Champions League quarter-finals clash against Real Madrid after Jose Mourinho admitted that two of his forward line - Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - will not be fit until next weekend's game against Athletic Bilbao.

Before his side's clash weekend clash against Sporting Gijon, Mourinho claimed that Ronaldo, Benzema and Marcelo would only be available for the game against Athletic Bilbao next weekend. It comes as a big boost for Spurs and their manager Harry Redknapp, who is suffering from a defensive crisis with only two fit central defenders available for the game.

Mourinho said, Cristiano, Marcelo and Benzema can only play in Bilbao.''

However, Mourinho did have some good news in that Argentine striker, Gonzalo Higuain, could make a return from injury earlier than expected after being included in the squad against Gijon for Staurday.

Mourinho said, His recovery is a positive surprise because we thought he may miss up to the final 15 games of the season and having him is important.''

Spurs' will be without Gareth Bale (hamstring), Ledley King (groin), William Gallas (knee), Younes Kaboul (thigh strain) and Jonathan Woodgate (calf) for the tie and with only two central defenders fit, they will sigh with relief with the news that the in-form Benzema and former World Player of the Year Ronaldo are injured.