Gordon still struggling with injury

July 16, 2009

Craig Gordon looks set to be a doubt for the start of the season and to take his place in the Scotland team for the World Cup qualifier against Norway in August as he suffered another setback in his attempt to recover from a knee injury that kept him out for most of last season.

“Craig’s not recovered and that’s a worry after his operation.” Said manager Steve Bruce.

“My worry is will he be fit to start the season, given it is the same knee as the one he had the operation on?”

Sunderland assistant Eric Black said the Premier League club would do all they could to ensure the 26-year-old will be fit to play in Oslo in the vital World Cup qualifier - and in his club’s league opener.

“It is touch and go, but the way he is progressing we are still hopeful he will make the start of the season,” Black told BBC Scotland.

“He has a lot of work to do and we just have to take it day by day.

“But we will do our best to get him ready.”

Sunderland returned to pre-season training last week, but Gordon has so far been training on his own as he recuperates.

Gordon, who previously missed six months of the season with an ankle problem, was sent to a specialist after suffering the injury at the end of April.

The Scot arrived in a £9m switch from Hearts in August 2007 but last season found it difficult to dislodge Marton Fulop for the number one jersey on his return from his six-month absence.

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