[lfc-news] Kewell faces summer hernia op - PA

PA Sport, 15 Dec 2004
KEWELL FACES SUMMER HERNIA OP

Liverpool's Harry Kewell is likely to need a hernia operation next summer
if he does not take a break from international friendly games in the next
six months, his manager has warned.

Bernie Mandic told Australian TV network SBS that Kewell needed a break
from the game and that Australia would be fortunate to have him available
for any friendlies in 2005, ruling him out of the Socceroos' preparations
to win a World Cup finals spot in Germany for the first time in 32 years.

Mandic said Kewell was still suffering from persistent ankle and groin
injuries which, if not rested, could leave him needing an off-season hernia
operation.

"Realistically he should have a good rest," said Mandic.

"The physios have advised him to take a good eight to 10 weeks off. I would
say you would be fortunate to see him twice in Australia."

The Socceroos are scheduled to play friendlies against South Africa in
Durban on February 9 and Iraq in Australia on March 26.

Kewell's summer should be dominated by the Confederations Cup in June, when
the Socceroos face Germany, Argentina and Tunisia in the group stage. But
if an operation is required then, Kewell will miss the tournament.

"God forbid, if he has to have an operation in the off-season then
obviously the Confederations Cup is out of the picture," said Mandic.

"That is the one he definitely wants to be part of and believes every
player should be part of that.

"He views the Confederations Cup as critically important for preparations
to the World Cup and he really would love to be part of that.

"That for him is the priority next to the play-off match versus [a team
from] South America."



------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$4.98 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/Q7_YsB/neXJAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/