Tottenham defender Ledley King underwent a successful arthroscopy on his left knee on Monday night.

The 30-year-old has suffered a a success of chronic knee problems over his career and can only manager one game a week without full training.

The surgery all but rules out King’s participation in Spurs’ pre-season tour of South Africa with the club confirming that he won’t return to training until the beginning of August.

However, a statement on the official website said “The defender is expected to rest for up to 10 days before progressing to full activity within a further 10 days.”

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has previously expressed his concerns that the England internationals fitness is deteriorating further after missing a substantial chunk of last season with a groin problem, suffered as a result of a lack of training on King’s part.