Schemmel facing injury battle

  • by Graeme Howlett
  • Tuesday, 23rd July 2002

Sebastien Schemmel, KUMB's current Player of the Year has revealed that he may miss the start of the new Premiership season after failing to recover from the injury he suffered against Arsenal in May.

The French full back suffered a broken ankle during that match which kept him out for the Hammers final few games of last season.

Yet despite weeks of rehabilitation and intensive therapy the ankle has failed to respond, leaving Schemmel doubtful for the opening games of the season, against Newcastle and Arsenal.

Speaking on the club's website, Schemmel said:

"It is a very important time of year because if you have a good pre-season you often have a good season.

"But that's life, and I'm working hard - every day - towards coming back very soon.

"I know there are good players in my position at the club so it is not a problem," added the 23-year-old full back.

"I would prefer the team plays very well with another player, than playing with me just 50% fit. But I want to play."

News of the injury will come as a big blow to Glenn Roeder, who only has Ian Pearce as cover for Schemmel's right-back spot.

Yet Pearce is, of course, naturally a centre-back, so that is one more position that the Hammers boss may need to find cover for over the course of the next few weeks.

Meanwhile another of Roeder's long term injury worries, Paolo Di Canio is expected to return to action for 45 minutes against Southend at Roots Hall tonight in the Hammers second pre-season friendly.

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