Bellamy facing further surgery

Wales striker Craig Bellamy has flown to the United States where he will undergo surgery on his left knee.

First-choice forward
The news is a serious blow to Wales manager Mark Hughes, whose side face Russia in a two-legged play-off for UEFA EURO 2004™ next month. The Newcastle United FC forward, whose goal helped Wales defeat Italy 2-1 in Cardiff last year, would undoubtedly be in Hughes's starting lineup for both games, but his presence is now doubtful.

'Best option'
Bellamy, who has a history of tendonitis problems, will have surgery in the next 24 hours according to his club. Newcastle issued a statement on Monday which said: "The problem flared up again during his last international duty and it was felt that, following further consultation, surgery would be the best option for Craig."

Colorado-based surgeon
The Colorado-based Dr Richard Steadman will perform the surgery, having operated on Bellamy's other knee last year. The 24-year-old striker will face a strict fitness regime after the operation.

'Competent staff'
Bellamy played all 90 minutes of Wales' final EURO 2004™ Group 9 qualifier against Serbia and Montenegro on 11 October only to suffer a subsequent recurrence of the injury. Wales face Russia in Moscow on 15 November and then again in Cardiff four days later. Newcastle travel to Switzerland to face FC Basel in their UEFA Cup second round first-leg tie on 6 November.