Midfield injury update

Last updated : 09 April 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Sir Bobby has confirmed that Speed’s hernia problem is likely to require further surgery, but that he will try and get a couple more matches out of the invaluable midfielder before the end of the season.

However he did warn that unless Speed is able to return to full training soon he will have to have the operation immediately, ruling him out of the rest of the campaign.

"We may get some matches out of him between now and the end of the season after he's had two to three weeks' rest," said Sir Bobby.

"If, when he gets introduced back into training, we find it's there again, it hasn't gone, then we will operate immediately. He needs another hernia operation, perhaps."

But Hugo’s shoulder injury is not as serious as first thought and he may be available to face Manchester United on Saturday.

"He's been to see the shoulder specialist and the news is good insofar as the surgeon doesn't think that the shoulder was dislocated," Sir Bobby continued.

"He had a bit of a fall and he's had a sprain. He's obviously damaged the capsule a bit and some ligaments, but the shoulder didn't pop out and his chances of playing soon are not bad."

Nolberto Solano is also expected to have recovered from his ankle injury in time to face the Red Devils.