Bad News Week-Paterson Out for 3 Months

The Clarets had more bad news on the injury front today with Martin Paterson expected to be out for three months following an operation on his cartilage last night.

Pato was one of two Clarets players stetchered off (along with Brian Jensen) in the Carling Cup defeat at Oakwell this week. Martin Paterson went down in the 15th minute against Barsnley after appearing to twist his knee.

The Northern Ireland international had complicated knee surgery on Wednesday night which also confirmed he had a tear in his cartilage.

The injury now needs to compound and heel, a process that could take up to three months so Pato could now be sidelined until the end of the year.

This bad news follows fast on the heels of Chris McCann's injury. His medial ligament damage will also keep him out of action for 2-3 months after he went down in the first half of the home game against Sunderland last Saturday.

Owen Coyle speaking to the Official Site about the injuries to Pato and Chris said:

'There has been a tear on the cartilage,We were hoping he (Pato) had just nicked it, which would have been two to four weeks, but it's the worst case scenario and coming on the back of the news of young Chris McCann it's a body blow for both the players, first and foremost.That's my concern. It's not great news when your young players, who I believe are top players, get injuries and our thoughts are with the players.It will be hard for the them to take but we will make sure they get the best rehabilitation and support system in place and I do know they will both come back bigger and stronger and better players for the football club.They are both young players who have been terrific since I have been at the club and both of them have got a big role to play when they come back.'

The injury to Paterson however is now an ideal opportunity for new loan striker, David Nugent to make a claim to a starting eleven place following his brace against the Black Cats in his home League debut at the weekend. Steven Fletcher,Steven Thompson and young Jay Rodriguez though will also be hoping to catch the eye of the gaffer and feature more up front in the coming months.

We wish Pato and Chris well and hope they both make a speedy recovery.

Clarets fans now await further news of Brian Jensen in this torrid week for injuries. It is understood he has picked up a deadleg but could be fit for the clash on Saturday against Spurs at White Hart Lane.








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