You are in > manchester.com  > News > Viduka 'to miss start of next season' with Achilles injury

General Sport

Viduka 'to miss start of next season' with Achilles injury

08/05/2008

Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka has been ruled out for up to six months after being told he needs surgery on his Achilles.

The Australian will be out for at least 12 weeks as a result of the operation, which is due to go ahead in the next few days.

However, according to Magpies boss Kevin Keegan, the recovery period could drag on to such an extent that he will miss the first three months of next season as well as the summer period.

"Mark Viduka could be out for between three to six months so that's a blow for us," Keegan told Sky Sports News.

"We will know more in two weeks.

"Mark has done great for us so that is a blow, although if it is only three months it won't be a major blow."

Viduka is thought to have aggravated the long-standing problem during Monday night's 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea, which leaves Keegan with a quandary for the final game of the season.

Michael Owen is revelling in his deep-lying role and with a shortage of other front-line strikers at the club, other than Obafemi Martins, Owen could be pushed up into a front two with the Nigerian.