Southgate could be out for a month
Thursday, 18 January 2001 07:20Aston Villa skipper Gareth Southgate could be out of action for at least three weeks if his worst fears are realised when he today has a scan on the knee injury suffered in last night's FA Cup triumph over Newcastle. And that could put a question mark over whether the England defender is fully fit and available for the friendly international with Spain on his home ground at the end of February, Sven Goran Eriksson's first game in charge.
The transfer-listed Southgate hobbled out of Villa Park on crutches after suffering medial ligament damage when he fell awkwardly on his right knee during the first half of Villa's 1-0 success. In an interview with PA Sport, the centre back insisted: "Until I have a scan it will be impossible to say exactly how long I will be out of action. I don't think it's too bad but I would think it will be at least two or three weeks, and it might well be a bit longer than that. There was nothing I could do about it. I just landed awkwardly and my foot was tucked up under my knee."
Southgate, who had been anxious to establish himself in the Swede's plans, admitted: "It would be tremendous if I could play against Spain here, but if the injury is serious then it is only a friendly international. It's not the same as missing a World Cup qualifier, although with the new coach in charge it would be nice to be fit and available to play. We'll have to wait and see."
Villa boss John Gregory added: "Gareth's injury is not looking too good and for him to come off the pitch means it must be something fairly serious. He's got a high pain threshold. He's damaged ligaments in his right knee and you never know with those things."
A second half goal from the knee of Darius Vassell was enough to give last season's runners-up a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Filed by Shane Murray
