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Duff knee injury blow

10/10/2005

Damien Duff has been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's crucial World Cup qualifier with Switzerland on Wednesday because of a knee injury.

The Chelsea winger was forced to leave the field on the hour mark in Saturday's 1-0 win over Cyprus and is now undergoing scans to assess the extent of the problem, believed to be a recurrence of his cartilage damage suffered last season.

This week's game in Dublin, which Brian Kerr's side must win to ensure at least a place in the play-offs, is definitely too soon for Duff to return.

A statement from Chelsea's medical staff said: "Duff suffered a knee injury in the 1-0 victory in Cyprus, and following a scan yesterday has been sent back to Chelsea for treatment.

"He will be rescanned today before assessments are made as to whether he can play this weekend."

The likelihood is, however, that Duff could be out of action for up to three weeks, which would see him miss three Premiership matches for Chelsea, as well as a Champions League match at home to Real Betis and the Carling Cup tie with Charlton.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho will be hoping that Duff will be fit in time for next month's league trip to Old Trafford.

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