Berger Leaving On A Jet Plane

Injury plagued Patrick Berger is jetting off to America next week to see world renowned specialist Doctor Richard Steadman who also treated Martin Laursen.

The Aston Villa midfielder joined Villa on a free from Portsmouth in the summer but has been reduced to just nine first team appearances due to injury problems.

The 32 year old has been plagued throughout his career, including his time at Liverpool. He said: 'The right knee isn't very good. I'm still struggling. I'm going to America to see Dr Steadman and, if he decides to do anything, it will probably happen on Wednesday. I just don't know what's wrong, but at least this way I'll know how long things are going to take to get me right. The knee is painful and I need to do something. The Villa physios have done a good job but I can't really progress because the knee is so painful.'

Ominously he adds: “I think it's more serious than just a minor problem. It is something that will not go away. It's just going to hang around if I don't do something about it. I want to play football again and need to get it sorted.”

O'Leary added: “It is the knee he has had five operations on which is why he probably came to us on a free transfer. We will just have to wait and see what happens.”

You see Doug, that is what happens when you bring older players in on the cheap. You pay their wages but they don't get to play! In fairness to O'Leary, this wasn't the way he wanted to be running the team, same went for Graham Taylor. You get what you pay for and we paid b*gger all!

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