Ben Foster's hopes of ousting Edwin van der Sar as
Manchester United's first-choice keeper next season are in tatters
after it was confirmed the England international requires surgery
on a cruciate knee ligament injury.
The 24-year-old had been suffering knee problems during the latter
half of last season, which he spent on loan at Watford. Now
Foster's worst fears have been realised, with United releasing more
specific details of an injury which will keep sidelined for months.
"Ben Foster has a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee and
will require an operation in two to three weeks' time," a United
spokesperson told www.manutd.com.
In a statement, the club added: "The injury was then jointly
assessed by United and England's medical staff after the goalkeeper
reported for international duty at the end of May. "While the Reds'
medical staff have not put a timescale on the 24-year-old's return
to action, he is likely to spend a lengthy spell on the
sidelines."
It is almost certain to be the early months of 2008 before Foster
is in action again. The injury is a bitter blow to Foster, who has
been outstanding in two seasons at Watford and had already spoken
optimistically about his chances of succeeding Van der Sar as Sir
Alex Ferguson's number one for the Premiership champions next
term.
If Foster had succeeded in that aim, he could easily have been
vying with Paul Robinson for the England slot as well. Instead, the
former Stoke man now faces months of rehabilitation.
