Leeds United Football Club - Op Fear For Crainey
Op Fear For Crainey
United are keeping their fingers crossed that Stephen Crainey will avoid having to undergo an operation that will end his season.
The defender's groin injury is causing big concern as it has so far failed to respond to both treatment and a prolonged period of rest.
As things stand Leeds are unable to give the Scot an indication as to when he could return, but fear they may be forced to bite the bullet and send him away for surgery.
"If things don't work out he might need an operation which will be a massive blow," said manager Kevin Blackwell.
"At the moment I have to play it by ear but it does not look too good for Stephen."
The 23-year-old, who has been out of action since early October, is suffering from a condition called Osteitis Pubis, a painful overuse condition that affects the pelvis, causing pain during and after exercise, and commonly occurs through kicking activities.
Worryingly, the condition can be resistant to treatment and has been known to last between 6 months and two years before clearing up.
If Crainey is operated on it would involve drilling of the pelvic bone, but Leeds will try to avoid sending him for an operation if they can.
Explained United head physio Dave Hancock:"We could have decided to go straight to surgery with him but we are trying to rehabilitate him without the need for surgery.
"Any surgery is not always clear cut; Seth Johnson suffered a set-back when he was operated on and got an infection on his knee, so we'll give him as long as possible to recover without an op.
"At the moment it's difficult for Stephen because he can feel ok one day and not the next. If he did go for an operation he would not play again this season."
Concern over the left-back has already seen Blackwell look into the transfer market, and he confirmed the situation may force him to bring in a replacement soon.
"Losing someone like Stephen Crainey who is a natural left-back, and having to put a centre-half in who sees the game as a centre-half (and not a left-back) shows how we have been putting square pegs into round holes.
"If Stephen Crainey is going to be out for a long length of time then I would have to look at bringing someone else in."
Op Fear For Crainey
United are keeping their fingers crossed that Stephen Crainey will avoid having to undergo an operation that will end his season.
The defender's groin injury is causing big concern as it has so far failed to respond to both treatment and a prolonged period of rest.
As things stand Leeds are unable to give the Scot an indication as to when he could return, but fear they may be forced to bite the bullet and send him away for surgery.
"If things don't work out he might need an operation which will be a massive blow," said manager Kevin Blackwell.
"At the moment I have to play it by ear but it does not look too good for Stephen."
The 23-year-old, who has been out of action since early October, is suffering from a condition called Osteitis Pubis, a painful overuse condition that affects the pelvis, causing pain during and after exercise, and commonly occurs through kicking activities.
Worryingly, the condition can be resistant to treatment and has been known to last between 6 months and two years before clearing up.
If Crainey is operated on it would involve drilling of the pelvic bone, but Leeds will try to avoid sending him for an operation if they can.
Explained United head physio Dave Hancock:"We could have decided to go straight to surgery with him but we are trying to rehabilitate him without the need for surgery.
"Any surgery is not always clear cut; Seth Johnson suffered a set-back when he was operated on and got an infection on his knee, so we'll give him as long as possible to recover without an op.
"At the moment it's difficult for Stephen because he can feel ok one day and not the next. If he did go for an operation he would not play again this season."
Concern over the left-back has already seen Blackwell look into the transfer market, and he confirmed the situation may force him to bring in a replacement soon.
"Losing someone like Stephen Crainey who is a natural left-back, and having to put a centre-half in who sees the game as a centre-half (and not a left-back) shows how we have been putting square pegs into round holes.
"If Stephen Crainey is going to be out for a long length of time then I would have to look at bringing someone else in."
