Sunderland star Kenwyne faces op

Jun 15 2008 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

SUNDERLAND have booked Kenwyne Jones in for knee surgery later this month as they await confirmation that the striker will not play again this year.

The Black Cats now fear Jones suffered cruciate ligament damage playing in Trinidad & Tobago’s friendly against England on June 1.

And the Sunday Sun understands that tentative arrangements have been made for Jones to undergo surgery in around 10 days’ time.

Jones is on crutches and his right knee is still badly swollen, with no operation possible until the swelling goes down.

Initially, Sunderland hoped Jones’ collision with England goalkeeper David James had caused only medial ligament damage.

But they are now bracing themselves to be without their striking talisman for up to nine months.

Trinidad & Tobago begin their World Cup qualifying campaign tonight against Bermuda, with Sunderland’s Carlos Edwards expected to be involved.