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Defoe blow for Pompey

23/11/2008

Jermain Defoe is facing a month on the sidelines to undergo surgery on a troublesome calf strain.

The Portsmouth striker will see a specialist tomorrow after limping off in England's 2-1 win over Germany in midweek.

Defoe missed yesterday's 2-2 draw with Hull City and will also be absent for Thursday's clash with AC Milan in the Uefa Cup.

The 26-year-old, who has scored seven goals this season, said he has been suffering with the injury for the last three games.

"Another England player had a similar problem and required surgery to sort it out," he told the Sunday Mirror.

"It's a minor operation but means I'll be absent for at least four weeks.

"I've been suffering for the past three games with the calf injury and it's got to the stage that when I play, I can't feel my foot because of the numbness.

"I have had treatment including acupuncture but it's showing no signs of clearing up."

Defoe's injury is a huge blow for Pompey boss Tony Adams, who has seen his side win just one of their last six games since he took over from Harry Redknapp.

Portsmouth could be without Defoe for key league games against Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United.

"He's had this problem before and we've got to get it sorted out for him," Adams said.

"I'm not a doctor so I can't really comment at this stage but we'll see.

"He [Defoe] won't play against Milan. And Lassana [Diarra] is seeing other specialists on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday."