Radebe return hopes on hold

Leeds defender Lucas Radebe will learn today whether he faces another long spell on the sidelines after his return from injury last night ended in further misery.

After playing the full 90 minutes of the ‘Football for Hope’ charity match in aid of the tsunami appeal at Barcelona’s Nou Camp on Tuesday, Radebe was thrown into the reserve game against Manchester United at Altrincham.

The former South Africa international, who was only due to play the first 45 minutes as he stepped up his fitness following a six-month lay-off after rupturing his Achilles in a goalless draw at Wolves, limped off towards the end of the first half with a knee injury.

The 35-year-old has been plagued by knee problems in recent seasons and was clearly in pain, although the extent of the injury will not be known until later today.

Boss Kevin Blackwell, meanwhile, is likely to name an unchanged line-up for tomorrow’s Championship clash at promotion-chasing Wigan following last week’s 3-1 Elland Road win over Reading.

However, there is a possibility midfielder Seth Johnson may come into the equation as he was due to play in last night’s 3-0 defeat to United, but was withdrawn from the squad.