 |
|
England: Middlesborough's Downing out for three months [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
London (Reuters) - Middlesborough midfielder Stewart Downing will be out for at least three months after undergoing knee surgery, the Premier League club said.
Downing had an operation on Thursday to repair cartilage in his right knee, which was damaged in Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Charlton Athletic.
"The operation went very well and the surgeon was very happy with the repair," Middlesborough assistant coach Steve Round told the club's website.
"But it's obviously a major blow, both for Stewart and the team that he will be out for so long. I know Stewart would love to play in next year's World Cup and there's still every chance for him to do so."
Downing, 20, was Middlesborough's player of the year last season, when his energetic displays and accurate delivery briefly had him in the frame as the latest in a long line of answers to England's troublesome left midfield problem.
However, his international career to date has been limited to a 30-minute substitute's appearance in April's goalless friendly against Holland.
News headlines from around the world.