Thursday Sep 29 2005 15:14
Blackburn Rovers boss Graeme Souness is fretting about the fitness of goalkeeper Brad Friedel ahead of the Premiership opener against West Brom.
The American suffered a thigh muscle injury during Friday's friendly against Bohemians and will sit out the rest of Rovers' pre-season programme.
Friedel has been the first choice at Ewood Park since his £1million move from Liverpool in November 2000 and Souness is hoping that the club's medical staff can get him fit in time for the start of the campaign.
"It's disappointing for Brad and the squad as preparations have been going well," the Scot told the club's official website.
"He will continue to have the best treatment, though, and I am hoping he will be fit to face West Brom in a couple of weeks."
Should the 33-year-old fail to recover, Souness will have to turn to either David Yelldell or Peter Enckelman.
American international Yelldell is still waiting for his Rovers debut following his move from Stuttgart Kickers 12 months ago, while Enckelman has featured just twice since his £150,000 move from Aston Villa.
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