Australia NewsIt's Knee Bother For Archie |
EXCLUSIVE: Archie Thompson's nagging knee injury is refusing to fully mend and the Melbourne Victory striker will be under close supervision at pre-season training next week.
The striker has not felt right since he injured his knee during the Socceroos goalless draw with China in March.He featured in Victory's Champions League match against Chonburi and then played in the club's friendly defeat by Juventus.
Thompson was then a surprise selection in Verbeek's 26-man squad for the two World Cup matches in Dubai and Doha with coach Pim Verbeek hailing the player's unique qualities.
Verbeek said: "He's bringing something extra to the team. We don't have a player with the same qualities. He has speed, he can score goals, he can make a difference and he's a fantastic guy to have in the group."
Thompson will return to the Telstra Dome on Monday but assistant coach Aaron Healey admits there is still work to do.
He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "Archie was given an extra week's leave but he is back with us next week. I have spoken to him and he's telling me that the knee still doesn't feel 100 per cent. It still feels a bit sore.
"He is following a program though and I think it's just a question of time to be honest."
Healey did not believe that Thompson was looking at a surgical solution to the problem.
He said: "We're looking forward to welcoming him back and I know Archie is keen to get going again as well."
Have YOUR say - What do you think about "It's Knee Bother For Archie "? Tell us NOW in the comment section below.
We review the ‘Ronaldo Effect’ and find out if the Portuguese superstar is missed by Manchester United, why he is so vital to Real Madrid and if we can lead his country to World Cup glory. We also chat to Xavi, Carlo Ancelotti, plus Socceroos Vince Grella and David Carney.
Have you got a scoop? Tell us about it and you could be the first to break the news on FourFourTwo.
