Knee mystery threat to Newcastle star's future

The Wales star may be staring at the prospect of a third operation on the same knee and a second for a recurring tendinitis problem.

United boss Sir Bobby Robson yesterday reported that 24-year-old Bellamy is undergoing stringent tests in a bid to solve the mystery of his latest setback.

Bellamy, who has endured five knee operations in all in his career, was fit when he left the Welsh camp after their Euro 2004 qualifier with Serbia and Montenegro last weekend but complained of pain in his knee on his return to Tyneside.

Scans have shown no deterioration in the the knee and Newcastle are at a loss as to why Bellamy is again sidelined.

Robson has ruled his £6m signing out of United's next three matches at Middlesbrough today, away to Fulham on Tuesday and at home to Portsmouth in a week's time.

But Robson insists he has no quarrel with Wales boss Mark Hughes over Bellamy's condition, which forced him to miss the UEFA Cup first-round, second leg tie away to NAC Breda in midweek.

"Craig is still out,'' said Robson. "We are thoroughly investigating the injury.

"I have spoken to Mark Hughes and we have no argument with the Welsh FA - they have a very competent medical team.

"They are just astounded that he reported on Monday injured.

"He didn't miss any training all the time he was with them. He played the whole match, didn't complain and was asked afterwards whether he had any knocks and wanted to report anything, and he didn't.

"I've explained to Craig that the Welsh FA can't understand it, and Craig said: 'Yes, I know, but I still have a bad knee.' He's had two scans which show no deterioration or worsening of the knee from weeks ago.

"We might be issuing a statement over the next two or three days. It's not a cartilage problem that you can explore, it's his old tendinitis problem again and he's already had an operation on that.

"It will be the second one for tendinitis and also the same knee where he had his cruciate operation.

"Whether there's a link, I don't know. He's on highs and lows with it.

"Two weeks ago he was as fit as a fiddle and said he hadn't felt better for years and now he's saying he's not available for training.

"He's on anti-inflammatory tablets but he can't keep doing that.''

Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer underwent knee surgery for tendinitis nearly two-and-a-half years ago, and was told his career would be in serious jeopardy if he needed a second operation.

Bellamy was said to be considering retirement earlier this season when he was in the depths of despair over his knee.

But Robson said: "I think he's far from retiring - he's just hot and cold with it at the moment.''

Newcastle are today looking to climb out of the Premiership's bottom three at Boro's expense.

Steve McClaren's side are a point and a place above the Magpies, who have a game in hand, and Robson said: "Middlesbrough are pretty much in the same boat.

"I saw them at home to Chelsea two weeks ago and they played very well in the second half. Chelsea stole it in the end.

"They've signed Boudewijn Zenden and Gaizka Mendieta, two internationals on the flanks who can only improve the team.

"It's going to be close and there may only be a goal in it - there was last season when they beat us at their place when we were going for the title.'' Robson tried to sign Zenden from Barcelona before his move to Chelsea two years ago, and admits he is "surprised'' that the Dutchman has not made more of an impact in the Premiership.

"He was a fine player when he was at PSV Eindhoven - that's when I first saw him,'' said Robson. "He can play on either side but he's better on the left because he's naturally left-footed.

"And Mendieta is the steal of the century, because Middlesbrough have got him for nothing and he once went for £38m!''

Boro skipper Gareth Southgate returns from injury and Robson said: "He's a Steady Eddy and an outstanding professional.

"You never see Southgate fall below a certain standard - he's consistent.''

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