The Welshman underwent surgery at Dr Richard Steadman’s clinic in Colorado on Monday in a bid to end his tendinitis problems and is now set to begin what could be a lengthy rehabilitation period.
No target date has been set for comeback yet but he is expected to spend at least four months on the sidelines, which by the time he regains his full match fitness will leave him with very little of the season to play (enough time to get fit for Euro 2004 though!).
Now, if I’d just undergone major surgery I don’t think the first thing I’d want to do is speak to Alan Oliver, but apparently Bellamy told the Evening Chronicle: "The operation went well and I'm feeling good. Now all I want to do is to get back home and start my rehabilitation.
"And when I do get to return I will be stronger and fitter and with two good knees.
"Dr Steadman is a fantastic surgeon and, like my United skipper Alan Shearer, I have complete faith in him and I know everything will again be fine.
"I have not spoken to Dr Steadman since my operation so I don't know just how long I will be out.
"But I am a quick healer and obviously I am looking to get back into action as soon as I possibly can."
The operation will obviously rule Bellamy out of Wales’ Euro 2004 play-off against Russia next month, but it seems that it won’t necessarily avoid a club-versus-country row as Freddy Shepherd is considering legal action against the FA of Wales because Bellamy was injured on international duty.
He said: "If you lend someone your car for nothing and it comes back damaged, you would expect to receive compensation from them, wouldn't you?"
Shepherd’s frustration is understandable, but it’s only worth going to the trouble of suing an organisation if they’ve got any money to pay you with and the FAW almost certainly haven’t.