World Cup boost for Dempsey

Fulham midfielder's injury not as bad as first thought

Last updated: 20th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

World Cup boost for Dempsey

Dempsey: Injury boost

Clint Dempsey is set to be fit to play in the World Cup after Fulham confirmed the USA midfielder's knee injury is not as serious as first thought.

There were fears that Dempsey had suffered cruciate ligament damage after picking up an injury during Fulham's 2-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.

He has undergone scans on the problem, with the Premier League club revealing Dempsey does not require surgery to fix the issue.

Fulham are optimistic the 26-year-old will be able to return before the end of the season, giving Dempsey time to prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

A Fulham statement read: "During the Blackburn Rovers fixture on Sunday 17 January, Clint Dempsey sustained moderate damage to a ligament in his right knee.

"Following the results of a scan, early indications are positive in that no operation is required.

"At this stage it is thought that the injury will not prevent him from featuring for Fulham, prior to the end of the season.

"Whilst obviously disappointed, Clint is focused on his rehabilitation and will work hard, in line with medical advice, to return at the soonest opportunity."

USA will start their World Cup campaign against England on 12th June before tackling Slovenia and Algeria in Group C.