Alan Pardew has received a blow with the news that Danny
Gabbidon is likely to be out of action for up to four weeks after
sustaining a hamstring injury during Saturday's win against
Sheffield United.
The 27-year-old defender was stretchered off in the 63rd minute
following a challenge by Christian Nade as he passed the ball back
to goalkeeper Robert Green - just moments after he had rescued his
team-mates with a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Nade a
shooting opportunity.
A scan on Sunday morning revealed the extent of the damage, and the
influential Welshman will now be hoping to return in time for the
busy Christmas and New Year period.
Head physiotherapist Steve Allen says: "The scan revealed that
Danny has suffered a grade two tear to his lateral hamstring
muscle, and the estimated recovery time before he is back playing
again is around four weeks.
"We are hopeful that he may be back sooner than that, but his
recovery won't be rushed. We arranged the scan for yesterday so
that he could begin his rehabilitation as soon as he arrived for
training this morning, and he is already responding well to
treatment."
Danny says: "Obviously it's a major disappointment for me.
I hadn't felt any discomfort in my hamstring at all before the
actual injury occurred, so it's just one of those unfortunate
things that can happen.
"I am in good hands with the medical team here, though, and I
hope to be back as soon as possible."
On a positive note, Danny's Welsh international colleague James
Collins has made a timely return to full training following a groin
injury, while George McCartney has proved an able deputy in the
centre of defence during our last two home matches.
by Danny Francis