Shay Given shoulder injury confirmed by Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini
Manchester City boss, Roberto Mancini, has confirmed that his second choice goalkeeper, Shay Given, has aggravated a shoulder injury and might missing from the pitch for up to three months. The Republic of Ireland international visited a consultant, who suggested surgery for the goalkeeper.
"Shay has this problem in his shoulder and I think he needs three months to recover," Mancini said. "He has the same injury that he had last year and I think that he needs an operation. I am disappointed for him because we have lost a good goalkeeper," Last year we had the problem in the last three games because we lost him to injury and I hope this year it is not the same." Mancini said."
Given picked a similar injury in April 2010. With Joe Hart serving his loan deal with Birmingham City, Marton Fulop was signed as a short term replacement from Sunderland. The 34-year-old Given, has lost his first team goalkeeper status to Hart this season because Hart impressed Mancini in his loan spell at Birmingham.
After spending 12 years with Newcastle United, Given joined Manchester City in February 2009 for 7 million pounds. Given kept a clean sheet in his Man of the match debut against Middlesbrough on 7th February 2009. Given has made 50 appearances for the Blues, since his debut.
The veteran goalkeeper is frustrated with the lack of opportunities and was rumoured to be leaving the club in the January transfer window. However, Mancini convinced him to stay after ensuring him he is an important player in the squad. David Gonzales is expected to be recalled from a loan spell at Leeds United, to provide cover for Joe Hart.
City are struggling with injuries ahead of their clash against Aris Salonika at Eastlands in the second leg of the last 32 round of Europa League. Along with Given, Adam Johnson, Nigel de Jong and Micah Richards are also out due to injuries. City played a stalemate draw in the first leg and will hope to bounce back to qualify to the last 16 round.
Mancini will desperately hope that the Veteran keeper makes a quick recovery and help his side qualify for UEFA Champion’s League next season.