More frustration for Matteo

Leeds defender Dominic Matteo faces a waiting game with his long-term knee injury after his recent trip to Germany.

Matteo has returned from Munich where he visited specialist Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt, who has treated Liverpool star Michael Owen in the past for the troublesome hamstring problem which once plagued his career.

The 28-year-old Scotland international required minor knee surgery six weeks ago and had been hoping for a swift return to action, only to be devastated by the recent news he would be out for three months.

Matteo, captaining Leeds before his lay-off, went to see a specialist in Manchester who recommended Muller-Wohlfahrt.

The prognosis from Germany means Matteo will continue his rehabilitation at Leeds’ Thorp Arch training complex and with the Manchester specialist.

“It fills me with so much pride when I lead Leeds United out, so it is desperately disappointing not to be able to help the lads out,” said Matteo, who is just one of a number of players in the Leeds’ treatment room.

He is joined by Robbie Fowler, Olivier Dacourt, Lucas Radebe, Eirik Bakke, Ian Harte, Seth Johnson and most recently David Batty.

Leeds’ hopes of seeing the return of Batty have been scuppered with the news the outcast midfielder also now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury.

Batty has not kicked a ball for the first team this season and no longer figures for the reserves, because manager Terry Venables does not believe the 33-year-old can cope with the demands of Premiership football these days.

Angry Whites supporters disagree with the former England coach, particularly when they see performances like the one on Sunday when Leeds’ midfield was over-run by a previously rock-bottom Bolton side who claimed a 4-2 victory at Elland Road.

The chants of ‘Batty, Batty’ again echoed around the ground, but it is now in vain because he is suffering with tendinitis in both knees and is unlikely to be fit again until early next year.

Leeds physio Dave Hancock confirmed: “David has a chronic patella tendon problem which will keep him out for some weeks.”

Attacking midfielder Jamie McMaster, meanwhile, will tomorrow join Coventry on a month-long loan deal – linking up with Sky Blues manager and former Leeds hero Gary McAllister at Highfield Road.

The 19-year-old has made two substitute appearances this season under Venables.

McAllister said: “I still have quite a few contacts at Leeds and he has been recommended to me.

“He is still only a young lad and has bags of potential. He has played first-team football this season, so he definitely has Premier League ability. But this loan will really give him a good opportunity to prove himself.”