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Reid out for the season
10:26am Monday 15th January 2007
BLACKBURN ROVERS boss Mark Hughes has been left reeling by the news that Steven Reid won't play again this season.
Hughes' worst fears were confirmed over the weekend when the results of a scan revealed that Reid has ruptured his cruciate knee ligament following a freak training ground accident.
The Republic of Ireland international must undergo an operation in three weeks time to repair the damage, but an early prognosis would suggest the midfielder could be missing for anything between six and nine months.
News of Reid's latest injury setback is a shattering blow for both the club and the player, and it may now force Hughes into a rethink regarding his transfer strategy.
The former Millwall star had only just returned to training following four months out with a back problem, and Hughes was looking forward to having him back in his plans for the final third of the season, when Rovers face a fight on three separate fronts.
But now the Rovers boss must face up to the fact that Reid won't be available again until the start of next season at the earliest, which leaves him light on cover for Robbie Savage and Tugay in the centre of midfield.
Rovers are still chasing Birmingham City midfielder David Dunn and they may now step up their efforts to sign him, although Hughes does not see him as a like-for-like replacement for Reid.
Reflecting on the situation, the Rovers chief said: "It's a major blow to lose Steven and we obviously feel for him.
"He was very close to being back in action, a couple of reserve games and he would have been available again, so it makes it very difficult for us and possibly affects what we are going to do in the transfer window."
Reid sustained the injury in training on Friday when he twisted awkwardly - there was no-one else involved - and was taken to Leeds straight away for a scan, the results of which emerged over the weekend.
He now faces a long road back to fitness but he will be comforted by the fact he has the full support of one of the best medical team's in the Premiership.
How big a blow is this? Submit your comments below.
Your Say YourTelegraph
Ice, says...
5:35pm Mon 15 Jan 07
Daniel wrote:He can play in Europe if Sparky take in him to 2nd Player Register in January.
This is devestating news. It must mean will now sign David Dunn. He's passed a detailed medical at Bolton, so we know he's fit and available to play. If we do sign him, will he be able to play in europe?
Daniel, says...
1:40pm Mon 15 Jan 07
Bobby George, says...
12:25pm Mon 15 Jan 07
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Oliver, says...
6:46pm Mon 15 Jan 07
Reid adds a lot to the team when fit and on form.
I'm not convinced Dunn is the right player to come in though. If it happens I hope he proves me wrong!!
Up The Rovers.