Bradford centre-back David Wetherall has been ruled out of tonight's Premiership clash at Tottenham after being struck down again by a groin injury.

Wetherall, who only returned to the side at the end of February after surgery to cure the injury, is to undergo a precautionary scan.

He spent three months out of action after sustaining the initial injury in the 2-0 defeat at Derby in November.

Boss Jim Jefferies said: "We will get the injury checked out.

"It's too early to say whether he will need another operation. But he will get it looked at and have a scan for his peace of mind."

Wetherall has played just four games since returning to the side and is expected to be replaced by Andy Myers for a match which marks Glenn Hoddle's first home match as manager of the White Hart Lane club.

Midfield player Gary Locke is ruled out after breaking a bone in his hand during City's 2-2 draw against Newcastle while a late decision will be taken on Wetherall's defensive partner, Robert Molenaar who has had toe and calf injuries.

Senior players, Ian Nolan (knee) and Jamie Lawrence (hand) are still ruled out, but one piece of good news for Jefferies is that skipper Stuart McCall's calf injury has healed.

City's injury problems means that Jefferies has added three young players, Ben Jones, Lewis Emanuel and Andy Lee to his squad along with midfield player Billy McKinlay.

City, who are nine points adrift at the bottom of the table, are without a win in nine Premiership matches.

Jefferies said: "There will be a big crowd and there should be a great atmosphere. Tottenham will want to get their first win in the Premiership under Glenn Hoddle, but if there is a party atmosphere because of his return to White Hart Lane we will be trying to spoil it."

Spurs will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against north London rivals, Arsenal, Hoddle's first game in charge.

Tottenham have eight first teamers injured. Skipper Sol Campbell is out for the season with damaged ankle ligaments.

Les Ferdinand, Ledley King, Darren Anderton, Ben Thatcher, Mauricio Taricco, Chris Armstrong and Stefan Freund are all ruled out so Hoddle may be forced to field a young side.