Keane puts knee operation on hold
Wednesday, 28 August 2002 19:02Roy Keane will make Manchester United's trip to Sunderland on Saturday after ruling out an immediate operation on his troublesome knee. It had been reported that the former Irish captain would undergo surgery today and faced a three month spell on the sidelines. But its now understood that Keane will not go under the knife this week and will be part of the United squad who travel to the Stadium of Light.
Although the club have again refused to reveal the extent of Keane's injury, manager Sir Alex Ferguson did indicate there was a problem following last night's 5-0 Champions League qualifying triumph over Zalegerszeg. However, having played his way through the opening stages of the campaign, Keane might be willing to carry on, given the fresh injuries sustained by Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.
Scholes has already been ruled out for a fortnight, which means he will miss England's friendly with Portugal, after jarring his ankle in last night's win, while Butt's situation is being monitored. The England midfielder was ruled out of yesterday's game with a toe injury and it remains to be seen whether he will travel to the north east at the weekend.
Filed by James Shortt
