Hutchison on Injury & World Cup

Last updated : 30 March 2002 By Mike Reich
Hutch: Recovering at home
Don returned home a couple of weeks ago to start his recovery from his cruciate knee ligament operation in Canada. And, speaking on his personal icons website, he gives an update on his progress.

"The pain in my knee has subsided, so I'm feeling a lot happier about life. The first target I was given was to straighten my injured knee - something that isn't easy after a cruciate operation - and I'm very close to achieving that as we speak.

"The next task is for me to try and walk freely without the limp that I've been using since I had the operation. The doctors have told me how important it is to walk normally straight away, so that my body doesn't get too accustomed to the limp."

And even though he's not actually playing football at the moment, he is still keeping an eye on things, and he took the time to watch some of his teammates in action in the various International friendlies this week, including Joe Cole's run out for England against Italy.

"It was a mixed night for my team-mate Joey Cole but I was glad to see Sven Goran Eriksson come out and say that Joe still has a chance of making the World Cup despite his mistake which cost England a goal. Joe is a quality player who won't let England down in Japan given the chance."

With regards to the other two youngsters aiming for the International stage, Don reckons that 2002 is an unrealistic goal for Jermain, but a great opportunity for Michael Carrick to grasp with both hands.

"The World Cup is probably going to come soon for Jermain Defoe - but he still has time on his side. However, I still believe Mickey Carrick has a great chance of making the squad. I know he's had his injury problems but I believe it's not too late for him to stake a final claim before now and the end of the season."

Lastly, Don expresses his disappointment that Freddie Kanoute has once more missed out on a place in the French squad, and he cites the fact that France have so many other brilliant forwards as the main reason why Freddie hasn't been called up.

"Freddie Kanoute once again missed out on selection for the French squad and that must be disappointing for him. He's been in great form this season when he's been fully fit but he's found it very hard to break into his national team.

"Unfortunately for Freddie, he is up against four or five of the best forwards in the world, which makes his task so much harder than it might be if he was not French. However, if he keeps playing the way he is for West Ham, I wouldn't rule him out of claiming a last minute place on the flight to Japan and Korea - he deserves it."