Scotland sweat on Gordon fitness

July 16, 2009

Scotland’s goalkeeping options have been thrown into disarray because of injury to keeper Craig Gordon, team boss George Burley indicated on the side’s website on Thursday.

Burley says the potential non-availability of the 26-year-old for the match against Norway in Oslo on August 12 because of a knee problem is likely to cause serious concerns to Scotland.

Speaking on Sunderland’s web tv channel, Black Cats manager Steve Bruce said: “Craig has not recovered and that’s a worry after his operation.”

“It’s not a huge, huge worry – the boy will be okay – but my worry is will he be fit to start the season given it’s the same knee he had the operation on?”

Gordon underwent knee surgery at the end of last season but is still experiencing pain and now looks unlikely to make the start of the new campaign.

“Craig is one of the top goalkeepers anywhere in Europe and it would be a massive blow if he was not able to make the Norway game,” Burley said.

“He is going to see the specialist again within the next week. We will know after that if he has a chance of being in contention but Steve Bruce and Sunderland’s medical staff feel it is unlikely he will be ready,” he added.

Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo is also set to miss the trip to Norway after breaking a metatarsal in a pre-season friendly.

GLASGOW (AFP)

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