Newcastle's injury prone Aussie striker Mark Viduka could be sidelined for another 6 months if it is decided he needs a 2nd round of surgery on his Achilles injury. Viduka, who signed for Newcastle on a free transfer in June 07, has been out injured since May of this year with an Achilles injury which he had hoped would have been cured after the first operation which took place back in the summer.
Interim manager Joe Kinnear spoke of Viduka's new worry;
"Mark Viduka has had one scan on his injury, but he wanted a second opinion and so too did our medical people. That is why he has gone back to Australia.
However, we know there is a chance Viduka may need surgery- and if this turns out to be the case we will be without his services for a minimum of six months. This is not good news.
We will know more when Viduka comes back in about six days' time, and in the meantime all we can do is wait and hope."
Since he joined Newcastle he has made just 28 appearances for the club between his debut in August 2007 and May when he picked up his injury, scoring 7 times. This latest setback could see him unavailable until the 2009/2010 season.
Australian tabloid the Herald Sun has quoted physio James Murphy as saying that Mark Viduka will not require further surgery on his troublesome heel:
"Surgery is not considered necessary," said Murphy which was news welcomed by Viduka:
"Of course I want to play for Australia again - it's something that's never out of my mind."
"But it's a step-by-step process and the first stage is to get back playing for my club again. I don't want to rush anything. I've got to be 100 per cent fit and 100 per cent sure in my mind that my heel is strong enough.
"When that happens I'll be back for Australia. I've always loved playing for my country.
"It's been a long process but it's just great being back home and among the boys in Brisbane."
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