Downing out of England games
Stewart Downing out for a long time
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Thursday, 21, May 2009 10:10
Stewart Downing will miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra next month as he will have foot surgery tomorrow.
The Middlesbrough winger sustained the injury when Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov stood on his right foot during the Premier League game at the Riverside on Saturday. Downing will have a pin inserted in his foot tomorrow and will miss his side's crucial clash against West Ham.
"I think Stewart is going to be out for two or three months at least. That's not good news for him or the club," said Boro assistant manager Malcolm Crosby. "Stewart is facing an operation and will be very frustrated.
"I've looked at the challenge again by Petrov and, while it was a clumsy challenge, I think it was an accident. I don't think that for one minute he meant to do it. Injuries are part of the game and you get used to them happening when you least want them.
"Stewart has played every game for us this season and has made a big contribution. He hasn't scored goals but he has worked extremely hard."
Downing was expected to leave Middlesbrough this summer with both Liverpool and Tottenham interested in acquiring his services.
But it now seems like the 24-year-old will have to start next season playing in the Championship as top clubs are highly unlikely to buy a player with such a serious injury.