Manchester United
Captain of club and country, Roy Keane is currently holding a hamstring injury. Keane damaged himself during phase I of Manchester United’s away leg of the Uefa Champions League quarter finals against Deportivo La Coruna. Although the Reds won in Spain, the magnificent triumph was shadowed in sadness by injuries to both Keane, and David Beckham.
Roy is expected to be out for 5-6 weeks, and should be ready for the Champions league final, if Manchester United progress, on May 15th this year. Keane WILL miss the Republic’s friendly against the USA later on this month at Lansdowne road. However midfield cover is good with a fit Mark Kinsella and Matt Holland, who will almost automatically receive the first team call up for a central midfield position.
Tottenham Hotspur
Stephen Carr will not be going to the World Cup finals, Korea 2002. Stephen has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a knee injury and has now been told to rest for six to eight weeks. Although Stephens season at Spurs was more or less over, he was training and looking to play for the Spurs reserve team as early as last month. But although the initial operation was a success, he irritated his knee and it appeared to become inflamed. Rest is now Stephens long term cure, as he puts his devastating World cup news behind him.
Charlton Athletic
Mark Kinsella is back from injury after undergoing two hernia and two knee injuries. Mark played in various reserve games for the addicks over the last couple of weeks,took part in the Republics friendly with the Danes,and on Monday gone Mark played the full 90 minutes in the 0-3 defeat at the hands of the Gunners.
Millwall
Richard Sadlier will not go to the World Cup finals, Korea 2002. “Sads” has a hip ailment which is now in dire need or not only medical, but surgical attention. Although he had an injection two weeks ago, he was expected to be out for the rest of this season 01-02’. However he is playing on, as he is desperate to assist in the Milwall chase for success in the Nationwide League Div. I. Sads was not included in this months friendly, when the Republic of Ireland thrashed the Danes by 3-0 on home soil, with goals from Harte, Keane(Rob) and Morrison.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Despite early fears that Mark Kennedy’s {pictured above} season may be over, the winger is set to return to training next week. Mark limped out of the Grimsby game with a torn groin muscle but manager Dave Jones says: “His season isn’t over. He won’t feature tomorrow at Millwall but he has had intensive treatment and is scheduled to return to training with us on Monday.” It is early to say whether or not Mark will feature in any of the Republics friendlys leading up to Korea 2002. Or more importantly in the World cup finals themselves. Time will tell.
