Robert Pires' knee injury may not require surgery and the Arsenal winger could return to action faster than originally thought, according to France coach Roger Lemerre. Pires was yesterday apparently ruled out for the remainder of the Premiership season and this summer's World Cup after suffering cruciate ligament damage to his right knee.
The Gunners announced the 29-year-old would need an operation this week but a second examination of his knee in Paris last night indicated the injury might not be so severe.
Lemerre said, "We are still waiting to find out if he is going to be operated on or not. We don't believe in miracles, but a further medical examination in Paris is not so negative. Maybe he already had the ligament damage before the game against Newcastle. This is where the little hope lies, but his knee has still been affected. According to the doctor, Jean Marcel Ferret, he should not be operated on as in an emergency. We should wait for 10 to 15 days before making a decision."
Filed by Johnny Proby
