Bellars Crocked

Last updated : 19 August 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

So much so, they asked Newcastle if they could have his medical reports. And news today suggest the ex-Toon favourite may be sidelined for up to four weeks with a thigh injury.

Bellamy has struggled with an ankle complaint for the last month and managed only 120 minutes of Blackburn's pre-season preparations but did start Rovers' opener at West Ham last Saturday.

The 26-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Wales squad to face Slovenia earlier this week with the thigh problem and now Rovers manager Mark Hughes has expressed his concern.

He told Sky Sports News: "We lost Craig during the week, which is a big blow for us. He's had an initial scan when he first came back from international duty and we've had a look at that. It was then a case of allowing the injury to settle down for 48 hours before having a more comprehensive scan and that is booked in for tomorrow. It is difficult to say how long he will be out - it is up to the medical people to assess the extent of the problem."

Bellamy may now miss England's visit to Cardiff on September 3.