The 22-year-old has not featured since the end of December, but had been on course to shortly complete his rehabilitation.

However, after feeling discomfort during training, an MRI scan highlighted a fresh problem, and a further ultrasound should reveal more information, all of which means Lennon will spend at least another couple of weeks on the sidelines.

Lennon will, therefore, take no part in England's friendly against Egypt next week, which is the last chance to impress boss Fabio Capello before the domestic season finishes and the focus switches to the World Cup.

The Spurs midfielder appeared to be leading the race to be Capello's first-choice right winger when he started the final three qualifiers, with Theo Walcott, David Beckham and Shaun Wright-Phillips also looking to board the plane to South Africa.

Redknapp, though, wants to first see Lennon back terrorising defenders in a Spurs shirt before any talk of next summer.

"Aaron was close to getting fit, but has had a bit of a set-back," said the Tottenham manager, preparing for tomorrow's FA Cup fifth-round replay with Bolton at White Hart Lane.

"He has had a scan, and has just torn a couple fibres away apparently.

"It is difficult and has been dragging on a long time. We will just have to wait and see.

"Hopefully it should not put him back much from where he was, and he could still be fit in a couple of weeks."

Redknapp added: "At first the diagnosis was he could be back in four or five weeks, but you never know with these groin problems, they can take time and he has had a couple of setbacks.

"Aaron has worked hard to get fit, but every time seems to have a little problem there.

"Hopefully, though, it will get sorted out and he will be back soon.

"So long as he gets back and gets enough match action for Tottenham to take us where we want to go, then the World Cup will follow.

"But first and foremost, we have to get him back playing for Tottenham."

Redknapp revealed Lennon's frustrations at not being fully fit in such an important campaign.

He said: "Aaron is low when he is not playing, and is working hard out on the training ground with the fitness coach, is in the medical room getting his treatment, trying to get himself fit.

"Another little setback is not what he wanted, but he will get on with it.

"When he does come back, he will be as good as ever."

Redknapp added: "Obviously we miss him - he has got fantastic pace and scares teams to death with his ability.

"But we have been lucky that David Bentley has come in and shown what a top player he is as well."

As well as Lennon, Spurs also have concern over defender Ledley King, who hobbled out of Sunday's 3-0 win at Wigan with a thigh injury.

"Ledley has a bit of a tear, and do not know how long he will be out for," said Redknapp.

"The problem is when you are not training every day and playing, you do get injuries.

"But when he is fit and is playing, he is fantastic."

Tottenham boss Redknapp had been keen to stress Lennon would not be rushed back into action prematurely.

Press Association Sport understands the Premier League club will be seeking further specialist advice on how best to rehabilitate the injury to ensure a proper recovery.