Liverpool FC Forum

[Djiin]

Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell is facing groin surgery next week and could be out until mid-March.

Reports in Tuesday's Sydney Daily Telegraph said that the Australian will go under the knife if he does not play in the New Year's Day clash with leaders Chelsea at Anfield.

Liverpool's medical staff are working to get Kewell fit for the match of the day but progress has been slow.

Team-mates say Kewell hasn't trained for a week because of tendinitis in his groin and is unwilling to take painkillers for fear of causing long-term damage.

Surgery would mean Kewell would miss the first leg of the Reds' Champions League last 16 eliminator against Bayer Leverkusen on February 22, but he could be fit for the return in Germany on March 9 and the derby with Everton at Anfield 10 days later.

Kewell would also be cleared to play for Australia at the Confederations Cup in Germany that begins on June 15.

He has already said he is unavailable for the friendlies against South Africa on February 9 and Iraq on March 26.

An operation would provide Kewell with the time he needs to resolve a nagging ankle problem that first flared midway through his debut season for Liverpool, whom he joined from Leeds in August 2003.

Kewell, 26, had Achilles tendon surgery three years ago and David O'Leary, his former manager at Leeds United, says he hasn't been as good a player since.

yahoo.com

[Kenc]

These reports turned out to be false as far as i know. I read that Rafa said he will play against Chelsea. After all what would the Aussies know!! 

[Leonmc0708]

I understand that Herry has been a little too big for his boots following a return to form, and his ommision from the side has been to bring him back down to earth with a bump and nothing to do with an injury.

[JBG]

Care to elaborate a bit more, Leon?

[Paul C]

Liverpool winger Harry Kewell will be out of action for at least a month because of a groin problem.

The Australian limped out of the 3-1 win against Newcastle United on December 19 after suffering the injury and following a visit to a specialist on Wednesday, was forced to have an injection to rectify the problem.

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton told the club's official website: "Harry saw a specialist on Wednesday and has received an injection in his groin.

"He is likely to be out of action between four and five weeks."

The news will come as a major blow to Reds boss Rafael Benitez as Kewell had only recently hit top form after a disappointing opening to the campaign.

[laza]

Typical just when he was beginning to show a bit of form.

[dawson99]

heres the latest (well, from bbc sport) on kewell

Liverpool winger Harry Kewell is set for another month out of action with the groin injury he suffered in the win over Newcastle earlier this month.
Reds boss Rafael Benitez had hoped to have the 26-year-old Australian back early in 2005 after fears that he would require an operation were allayed.

But spokesman Ian Cotton told the club website: "He saw a specialist and had an injection in his groin.

"He is likely to be out of action between four and five weeks."

Kewell was showing signs of returning to his best form during the 3-1 win over the Magpies on 19 December.

Until then he had come in for criticism from supporters for some poor performances at the start of the season.

Kewell made 59 appearances for Liverpool last season and has already turned out 22 times during the current campaign, despite a series of ankle and groin problems.

His agent Bernie Mandic warned before the Newcastle game that Kewell needed to take a break from the international scene or face the prospect of hernia surgery.

"Realistically he should have a good rest," he said. "The physios have advised him to take a good eight to 10 weeks off."

[parchpea]

I reckon he just enjoys the recovery treatments on his groin area 

[Djiin]

These reports turned out to be false as far as i know. I read that Rafa said he will play against Chelsea. After all what would the Aussies know!! 

the news is true..

[The_Rock]

yeah, he is injured. really gutted. looks like traore will be playing left back after all.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=320483&cc=4716

Kewell sidelined for at least a month


Liverpool winger Harry Kewell will be out of action for a month after receiving an injection in his troublesome groin.
Manager Rafael Benitez had hoped the Australian would be back in action early in the new year after reports from Kewell's homeland suggesting an operation would be required were dismissed.


But the Reds boss has been deal a blow with the news that Kewell will be sidelined for at least four weeks after his return to form was halted by the injury in the 3-1 win over Newcastle.

Club spokesman Ian Cotton told the Liverpool website: 'Harry saw a specialist on Wednesday and has received an injection in his groin. He is likely to be out of action between four and five weeks.'