Post by Taxigirl on Jul 30, 2005 10:46:13 GMT
www.leedsunited.com
United winger Steve Stone is set to miss up to the next three months after undergoing an operation on his Achilles, whilst the bad news continues with Rob Hulse also set for a long injury lay-off.
Stone suffered a tear in his Achilles whilst out training three weeks ago, and the 33-year-old had initially responded well to rest, but has not progressed in the last week.
United's fears were confirmed when they sent him to a specialist and yesterday he underwent an operation that effectively rules out any chance of him playing for Leeds until November.
"The view was after two weeks of rest that the tear was not healing," explained United head physio Dave Hancock.
"So we took the advice of a one of the world's leading specialists based in Stoke and his view was that because of his age, Steve would take a considerable amount of time to heal and we were not sure it would heal itself.
"The op has removed the degenerative part of the tear.
"It could be eight weeks or probably a bit longer than that, but he can make a full recovery."
Hopes that striker Rob Hulse would be available for the first few weeks of the season have also been dashed today with the news that he is set to miss the next month.
The former West Bromwich Albion ace was injured during United's tour of Norway after his ankle was caught in a late challenge.
"Rob has quite severe ligament damage and we are looking at another four weeks for him," confirmed Hancock.
The good news is that 'keeper Neil Sullivan has been back in full training and is earmarked to play some part for United against Barnsley tomorrow.
The 35-year-old had surgery on his shoulder during the summer after playing on until the end of the season through some considerable pain, and United have revealed that he is actually returning well ahead of schedule.
It had been expected that Sullivan would be out for at least another month, but he has responded well and is now fit for the start of the season.
Striker Ian Moore is also responding well after suffering from shin splints and his return to action is imminent.
United winger Steve Stone is set to miss up to the next three months after undergoing an operation on his Achilles, whilst the bad news continues with Rob Hulse also set for a long injury lay-off.
Stone suffered a tear in his Achilles whilst out training three weeks ago, and the 33-year-old had initially responded well to rest, but has not progressed in the last week.
United's fears were confirmed when they sent him to a specialist and yesterday he underwent an operation that effectively rules out any chance of him playing for Leeds until November.
"The view was after two weeks of rest that the tear was not healing," explained United head physio Dave Hancock.
"So we took the advice of a one of the world's leading specialists based in Stoke and his view was that because of his age, Steve would take a considerable amount of time to heal and we were not sure it would heal itself.
"The op has removed the degenerative part of the tear.
"It could be eight weeks or probably a bit longer than that, but he can make a full recovery."
Hopes that striker Rob Hulse would be available for the first few weeks of the season have also been dashed today with the news that he is set to miss the next month.
The former West Bromwich Albion ace was injured during United's tour of Norway after his ankle was caught in a late challenge.
"Rob has quite severe ligament damage and we are looking at another four weeks for him," confirmed Hancock.
The good news is that 'keeper Neil Sullivan has been back in full training and is earmarked to play some part for United against Barnsley tomorrow.
The 35-year-old had surgery on his shoulder during the summer after playing on until the end of the season through some considerable pain, and United have revealed that he is actually returning well ahead of schedule.
It had been expected that Sullivan would be out for at least another month, but he has responded well and is now fit for the start of the season.
Striker Ian Moore is also responding well after suffering from shin splints and his return to action is imminent.