From the Guardian

Carl Cort could be back in business for the start of the new season after his ankle injury proved not to be as serious as first feared.

The Newcastle striker was left in plaster after going over on his right ankle during a post-season friendly match at Exeter City.

Bobby Robson was left sweating on the 23-year-old's fitness amid worries that he had damaged the ligaments on both sides of the joint.

However, after an anxious 10-day wait, it appears that the problem is not as bad as was first thought.

"The weight-bearing plaster that's been on for the last 10 days has been removed and after further examination, there is no serious injury to the ankle," a club spokesman said.

"Effectively, it is a typical football injury where the player went over on the ankle and sprained the ligaments.

"His progress will be closely monitored over the next few weeks and he is expected to be fit for the start of the season."

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Answers

Good - the sooner he's out of plaster, the sooner they can rush him back into training too early and aggravate the injury.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

That's very worrying - the bit about the club spokesman that is. I'd rather it had been some independent physician. Where's Dr Bill when you need him?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Their way of saying that we won't be held to ransome over signing a new striker. Bet he's out for 3 seasons.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001