Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has told Ledley King that this could be his last year at the club if he is unable to play enough games this season.
The 30-year-old made fewer than 10 league appearances last year due to the same knee problems that he has faced throughout his career.
With just 12 months remaining on his contract, Redknapp has told his centre-back that he must make at least 20 appearances this season if he wants Tottenham to consider offering him a new deal.
"Ledley's a difficult one," he said. "He has to play this year.
"I can't go to the chairman and say, 'Give Ledley a contract', if he has only played two games because he isn't going to do that.
"This is Ledley's big year, he's got to play 20 games or so, really. Ledley needs to put some games in this year to get another contract."
King has played more than 20 games just once in his last four seasons at White Hart Lane.