Bernard injury blow

Last updated : 15 December 2002 By Martyn Elliott

"Olivier has a swollen knee and we've sent him for an examination," said Sir Bobby.

"It's his left knee. He had a cruciate ligament injury when he was 16 and we've sent him back to the surgeon who operated on him then.

"But there's absolutely no suggestion that it's his cruciate again. His knee's just swollen."

Any lengthy absence would be a blow for the Frenchman who has recently returned to the side and begun to show his best form.

Bernard’s injury also meant a return to the left side for Aaron Hughes yesterday, a position where he is clearly uncomfortable and has been exposed time and again this season.

Surely a new left back must be in Sir Bobby’s plans for the transfer window.

It was also revealed that Nobby Solano missed the trip to Southampton because of a toe injury, but he is expected to be fit to face Fulham next weekend.