Sportal
Olyroo boss Raul Blanco is not overly concerned by the news that
Olyroo star Harry Kewell is nursing an achilles injury and may be a
doubtful starter in Sydney.
"I haven't heard anything but we will make some
enquiries," said
Blanco today.
Reports from England have cast doubts over the availability of Kewell
for the Olympics due to the injury.
The injury is believed to be serious enough to keep the Leeds forward
out of next week's crucial Champions League qualifier first leg
against TSV 1860 Munich at Elland Road.
Kewell has been told to take a complete rest after visiting a
specialist and may face surgery if the injury doesn't show signs
of
improvement.
The Olyroo coach was quite frank in his assessment of the matter and
said, "There is an injury and we are aware of that and hopefully
it
isn't anything major. I haven't heard anything but we will
make some
enquiries."
"For the time being I'm not overly concerned but it is a bit
of a
concern that he is injured. You don't want anybody in the Olympic
team at this stage so close to the Olympics to suffer any kind of
injury".
"You don't want Harry at this stage so close to the Olympics
to go
through any injuries obviously but injuries do occur in
football."
"He is at a club that has top specialists and I'm sure that
he is
being looked after beautifully and we will just wait and see what the
reaction of the injury is."
In the past Soccer Australia has found Leeds unwilling to release
their young star for internationals. When asked if he believed the
news coming out of Leeds Blanco replied, "Oh yes, of course. I
don't
think there should be a question about that."
"They are always trying to make sure that they keep their players
if
they can. In this case I think everybody is aware that Harry wants to
come and Harry says he wants to come and Harry will come."
"I think Harry Kewell wants to play in the Olympics, he will play
in
the Olympics and I don't think anyone will come up with such a
comment if they weren't true."
"If there is an injury I think we have to believe there is an
injury.
The reason he is not playing for his club hopefully explains that
there is an injury," said Blanco.
"I mean, he was never rested before for any games. If he's
not
playing that is a reason for it and we have to hope that the injury
is only a small injury and he will start to play again as quick as he
can."
"I don't think there is any need for me to have any
confrontations
and I'm sure that the club is doing everything possible to make
sure
that he gets on the park as quick as possible."
"Getting him back on the park as soon as he can is good news for
us.
We are praying that everything is under control."
Updated: Friday, 4 August 2000 16:12:29
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