Speed out for six weeks after op
The 33-year-old Welshman this morning underwent surgery on the hernia problem which has been hampering him for several weeks, but finally forced him to the sidelines during Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
Speed will be out of action for around six weeks, a lay-off which will deny Sir Bobby Robson one of his most influential players in the Premiership, the FA Cup and possibly even when the Champions League resumes in February.
“Gary Speed was being operated upon at 8.30am this morning,” he said.
“The diagnosis was confirmed last night and we haven’t wasted any time at all.
“We have to thank the surgeon for operating on New Year’s Eve, which wasn’t that easy because people are having the day off, but every day is vital for us and for Gary.”
Speed’s central midfield partner Kieron Dyer could also be missing from the starting line-up against Gerard Houllier’s side, although the news of his calf problem is better.
“The news about Kieron is better than we thought,” admitted Robson.
“The scan has not shown anything that gives us much worry.
“There was very little on the scan, there’s been no massive tear or anything like that.
“I still think he’s doubtful because he has a lot of pain at half-time on Sunday, but it looks as though it’s a log-up of matches and the calf was just a bit weary.”
Peruvian Nolberto Solano is perhaps the most likely to figure out of the trio who bowed out of Sunday’s game prematurely. X-rays showed no signs of lasting damage following the clash of heads with Mauricio Taricco which left him dazed.
That would come as a boost to Robson, who knows that the clash with Liverpool could have a major bearing on his club’s fortunes for the rest of the season.
United welcome the Reds boasting a record of eight successive Premiership wins at St James’ Park, just a single defeat by Leeds back in September robbing them of a perfect 10 for the season.
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