VIANA OUT FOR THE SEASON

By Matthew Jones
March 28 2003

After only recently recovering from a three-month lay-off with a similar problem, young Hugo Viana will be sidelined for the rest of the season after once again dislocating his left shoulder. Sir Bobby was FURIOUS after the incident occured in another club vs country issue.

For the second time this season, Hugo Viana has dislocated his left shoulder keeping him out of action for the rest of the season. The incident occured during Portugal Under-21s' 4-2 European Championship qualifying victory over England.

The player was rushed to a local hospital after his shoulder popped out twice in the first half. X-rays soon confirmed that the shoulder was not broken, but after only recently recovering from a three-month lay-off with a similar problem, the young Toon ace will be sidelined for a long time.

Robson said: "I am angered by this.

"He suffered a bad fall and his shoulder came out. They put it back in again, but then it popped out again in the dressing room when I went down to see him.

"He went to hospital for the X-ray and although there's no break he's now going to be out for a while.

"They reckon if it settles down he might be able to play in two weeks, but if it's going to keep coming out then he may have to require further surgery.

"It's a shame for him. With the run in we might have lost a good player."