Toon sweat over Bellamy

By Matthew Jones
August 4 2002

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson has admitted that Craig Bellamy is still some distance away from making a return to first-team action.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson has admitted that Craig Bellamy is still some distance away from making a return to first-team action.

The striker's knee injury is taking longer than expected to mend and Robson has admitted he is concerned about the length of time the Welshman will be out for.

"He's too far away for my liking," Robson confirmed. "He was put on hold a couple of weeks ago and told to give the knee two more weeks' rest.

"We are hoping he will be given the go-ahead to get cracking this week and the good thing is that once his knee is OK and he can run, he should get fit quickly."

Initially it was hoped Bellamy would be fit for the big kick-off on August 19 but he is now sure to miss the home clash against West Ham United, and Robson fears he could be out for a while after that.