Monday Jan 22 2007 12:20
Blackburn Rovers defender Andre Ooijer has had a successful operation on the broken leg he suffered in Saturday's 3-0 win at Manchester City, but is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The 32-year-old Dutchman broke his fibula and sustained ligament damage in an accidental challenge with City striker Bernardo Corradi.
"It's a blow to us all," Rovers boss Mark Hughes told the club's official website.
"We're all disappointed for Andre, he's had a real influence on and off the field for the squad.
"He brought that winning mentality to the club that I hoped he would bring, as he's a guy with great experience and he's winning week-in week-out, and I think we've benefited from that.
"But we'll be without him now. The good news is that the operation went well, there were no complications and once his body heals he'll be back."
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock is on the verge of completing his switch to Ewood Park which will allow Lucas Neill to seal his transfer to West ham United.
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