Redknapp could miss five weeks post-surgery

London: Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp could face a four- or five-week lay-off after undergoing minor heart surgery, he said on Sunday.

The Premier League club had initially said the 64-year-old, favourite to take over as England manager from Fabio Capello next July, would be set to return to work in two weeks following Wednesday's operation.

Redknapp also said he hoped to be back soon, despite being told otherwise by his doctor.

"(The doctor's) telling me I shouldn't even think about (returning) for at least four to five weeks. I hope to be back before then," Redknapp told Britain's Sky Sports News.

Redknapp has handed over control of the side to assistants Kevin Bond, Joe Jordan and Clive Allen after having surgery last week.

The Spurs team beat Fulham 3-1 on Sunday to continue their impressive league form ahead of the international break.

Redknapp took charge of Spurs in October 2008 and guided the north London club to fourth place and a first Champions League appearance two years later.