By Paul Holmes
June 22 2002

Crystal Palace striker Ade Akinbyi looks set to be out of action until November following a cartilage operation in America. Akinbyi was signed from Leicester from £2.2m in February but never hit form, boss Trevor Francis was hoping that Akinbyi would prove his worth in the coming season.

Speaking to the clubs offical web-site, Physio George Cooper spoke of Akinbyi.

"Even though Ade is set to be out for a lengthy period, we are happy with how the further surgery went and now can start looking to his return to full fitness."