from teamtalk.

Central defender Nicos Dabizas might have to undergo a second operation on the knee he damaged against Derby 13 days ago. The Greek international sustained ligament damage, but despite surgery there has been little improvement in his condition. United are now to seek a second opinion and they are resigned to being without the player for several more weeks. "It is a major worry as Nicos is a key player for us," Mick Wadsworth explained, " The important thing is that we identify the problem and then make sure he gets the best possible treatment. If he has to have a second operation we will be without him for some time, but we won't know until we get the specialist's report," he added.

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2000

Answers

While I believe in the long term the abscence of Dabizas will benefit the team due to the continued appearances of Hughes and Goma together, I hope he comes back from this injury sooner than later. Dabs is good cover, but I hope Hughes and Goma develop as a pair this season and provide the firm base for defence we need.

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2000

It's certainly the opportunity Hughes needed to establish a position as his own in the team, but Dabs is definitely a player we need to be fit.

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2000