Crocks on Parade (or not)

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Those of a nervous disposition may not wish to read this from today's Ronnie :-(

BOBBY Robson, looking to pick up Newcastle United for Sunday's game with Liverpool, has been left sweating on the fitness of key man Gary Speed.

The Welsh skipper left United's training ground at Chester-le-Street last night with his neck in a brace after it seized up while he was doing a session on the weights.

And Christian Bassedas limped out not long after, meaning that the that the Argentinian also has a question mark against him for the visit of Liverpool.

Terrified

The only good news for United is that French defender Alain Goma is back in training, albeit with physio Derek Wright, which at least gives him a fighting chance of returning after missing the match with Sunderland because of a calf injury.

However it was a depleted first-team squad, minus the likes of Speed, Shay Given, Alan Shearer and Bassedas - over and above the long-term injuries - which trained yesterday and Robson gave them the day off today to safeguard against any further injuries before holding a roll call tomorrow.

"I am terrified to send the players out to train in case we get any more injuries, "admitted the United boss.

With Carl Cort not due back until the New Year, Robson doesn't have a player to come back to lift United after Saturday's defeat.

And the last thing he wanted was an injury to Speed, especially with the Welshman's power in the air, going in against a Liverpool defence which is looking increasingly vulnerable against the type of crosses Nobby Solano can provide.

Speed has been an ever- present this campaign and last season he only missed two Premiership matches.

However the former Evertonian put a brave front on today when he said: "If the game with Liverpool had been tomorrow then I could not have played.

"But because I have the extra 24 hours then I am hoping I will be OK.

"It was all rather unfortunate. I was lifting weights in the gym when my neck suddenly seized up and the physiotherapists soon whipped me into the neck collar which I hope will do the trick."

Bassedas tweaked a groin in training yesterday and had to be helped to his car by his father but Robson is confident that the £3.5 million midfielder will still be available for Sunday.

Robson will have a close look at Goma tomorrow as United complete their preparations for what is now a massive match for them.

The United boss added: "Goma is looking better and he had some training yesterday and says he feels all right.

"He has not trained or played for 10 or 11 days and we are trying to get some power back into his muscles. But like Gary Speed, he has an extra day and we are hoping this will work in our favour."

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000

Answers

I don't believe it! Serious questions must be asked about the training regime and the ability of our bloody "medical staff" to keep the players fit.

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000

That voice from the grave must carry some weight Victor.;-)

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000

I'm just a bit baffled by Speed saying as soon as his neck "seized up" they slapped a collar on him. I'm assuming that's just to make him more comfortable to get home(and the paper is trying to make things sound worse than they are), but hoping htey actually started heat, ultrasound and massage treatment at the training ground. Perhaps I should send over one of my phys. therapists. I had a knot in my neck for weeks after my accident, but she cleared it up in only 2 treatments. Hurt like a mutha when she was digging in but it's felt great since. :-)

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000

Neck injuries are usually trapped nerves and a complete bastard to fix.

I suspect this is just rumour and I won't believe any team news until I see Screacher's Team Pick.

PS Screach... when do you email the team to Bobby?

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000


With good sense Geordie. Time is of the essence and it's a good job Liverpool asked for the game to be put back 24hrs. I'm finding it hard to get in touch with YBR while I'm away, hence he isn't always picking the right team. Maybe with the delayed KO, I might just be able to get him to pick the right team. Has the transfer deadline hit yet? 5:00pm Friday, so I guess so. Shame - I thought I had a chjance of getting Ronaldo and ZZ on loan until Christmas. Watch that space.

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000


I don't believe it. I think Speed is OK and is saving face after being told by Robson that he "wants to try something different against Liverpool" A polite way of telling him he's dropped. If Speed dosn't play and we win, then fine. If it dosen't work then no problem Speed can make a miraculous recovery for the next game.

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000

Rik, I'd call you cynical if I thought you could spell it ;-))

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000

According to this morning's Journal not only are Goma, Speed and Bassedas doubtful for Sunday, but Given and Shearer have not been able to train all week. Apparently AS has a shin strain - at least it's not his troublesome knee - and is still "very low" after last weeks result.
Because of concerns over picking up further injuries only light training has been undertaken with no practice games - great preparation for a vital game!

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2000

Bobby's just doing this on purpose to mess up our team picks. It's mind games to trick Liverpool into complacency.

What exactly am I supposed to do with all these straws I've got in my hand?

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2000


Goma, Bassedas and Given were all training this morning. Shearer and Speed weren't - see report on other thread.

-- Anonymous, November 25, 2000


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