Post by Helen on Jul 29, 2004 21:10:53 GMT
SMICER SUFFERS NEW INJURY WOE
Mark Platt, in New Jersey 28 July 2004
Liverpoolfc.tv can reveal that Vladimir Smicer will play no further part in Liverpool's North American tour after the attacking midfielder picked up an injury to his right knee.
Smicer was assessed by the club's medical after the game against Celtic and they feel he has sustained damage to his cartilage.
He will be seeing a surgeon on Thursday, with a view to undergoing keyhole surgery and will definitely not play be playing again on this tour.
A naturally disappointed Vladi, told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I had a problem at the end of last season with my right knee but because we had the European Championships I was able to play in Euro 2004 and it was okay but I came back for pre-season and knew it would be hard work. The knee is still sore and it was getting worse and worse.
"I had a scan and it showed that maybe I need an operation. If I need an operation then I will get that done on Friday.
"It is bad timing with the new manager just arrived. I didn't want to have an operation before the start of the season but if I'm not going to be fit for the start then there's not much I can do about it. If it's necessary to
have it done now I'll have to have it done.
"If it's only a minor operation then I will be out for six to eight weeks but if it's the cartilage it will be longer."
This latest injury setback could not have come at a worse time but the injury plagued Czech star remains upbeat that he can still play an important role in Anfields new Rafa revolution.
He adds: "It's only one week since I have been working with him but he is okay and has got good ideas. The atmosphere in the team is fine. He is very good and everything is going right for us.
"We know what he achieved with Valencia and we believe he can make us a better team. I want to be a part of the future with Liverpool but first of all I have to be fit and playing well. I think he can make us better."
Mark Platt, in New Jersey 28 July 2004
Liverpoolfc.tv can reveal that Vladimir Smicer will play no further part in Liverpool's North American tour after the attacking midfielder picked up an injury to his right knee.
Smicer was assessed by the club's medical after the game against Celtic and they feel he has sustained damage to his cartilage.
He will be seeing a surgeon on Thursday, with a view to undergoing keyhole surgery and will definitely not play be playing again on this tour.
A naturally disappointed Vladi, told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I had a problem at the end of last season with my right knee but because we had the European Championships I was able to play in Euro 2004 and it was okay but I came back for pre-season and knew it would be hard work. The knee is still sore and it was getting worse and worse.
"I had a scan and it showed that maybe I need an operation. If I need an operation then I will get that done on Friday.
"It is bad timing with the new manager just arrived. I didn't want to have an operation before the start of the season but if I'm not going to be fit for the start then there's not much I can do about it. If it's necessary to
have it done now I'll have to have it done.
"If it's only a minor operation then I will be out for six to eight weeks but if it's the cartilage it will be longer."
This latest injury setback could not have come at a worse time but the injury plagued Czech star remains upbeat that he can still play an important role in Anfields new Rafa revolution.
He adds: "It's only one week since I have been working with him but he is okay and has got good ideas. The atmosphere in the team is fine. He is very good and everything is going right for us.
"We know what he achieved with Valencia and we believe he can make us a better team. I want to be a part of the future with Liverpool but first of all I have to be fit and playing well. I think he can make us better."
