Solano doubt for Champions League

Last updated : 28 October 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Sir Bobby has several injury doubts for tonight’s must-win clash with Ukranian giants Dynamo Kyiv.

Both Kieron Dyer and Lomana Lua Lua have been named in the squad, but neither is certain to play because they are both struggling with the injuries that kept them out of the game with Charlton.

More worrying is the news that Nolberto Solano is a major-doubt after injuring an ankle at the weekend. If all three are missing we will have some problems especially with Craig Bellamy already ruled out.

Steve Harper will start ahead of Shay Given, who will return for the game with Boro next Monday.

Nikos Dabizas is available again after suspension, but is unlikely to force his way into the team ahead of Titus Bramble or Andy O’Brien.

Dyer in training yesterday
Michael Chopra retains his place in the squad and may feature if the first team trio fail fitness tests.

At Monday’s press conference Sir Bobby told journalists: "Solano has an ankle problem. He came off on Saturday and has suffered a reaction to that.

"If Nobby is not 100 per cent fit then I will not even think about playing him.

"Kieron Dyer should play. He is almost ready but his back is still a bit sore and a bit stiff. It might be an injury that he can play with.

"As long as there is not too much pain he might get away with it. We will check on him tomorrow," he continued.

"Steve is guaranteed to play. We are spreading the goalkeeping responsibilities between him and Shay Given knowing that both players are very capable."

And Sir Bobby also promised more positive tactics than in Kyiv.

"We were the away team and had to try to nullify them over there. The best thing we can do tomorrow is just play our own game and let them worry about us and somehow cope with the problems that they will undoubtedly give us during the match.

"But if our side is fluent and cohesive, we would hope that we give them more problems then they give us. That's the best chance we have of winning," he concluded.

Squad: Harper, Given, Griffin, Bernard, Bramble, Dabizas, Elliott, Hughes, O'Brien, Robert, Acuna, Jenas, Dyer, Solano, Speed, Viana, Ameobi, Shearer, LuaLua, Chopra.