Duo Facing Long Lay-Offs

Last updated : 03 January 2004 By Brian Cartlidge

Upson went down unchallenged on the edge of his own area just thirteen minutes into the 4-0 win against Rovers with what was at first thought to be a broken ankle.

However, manager Steve Bruce confirmed that after a visit to the hospital Upsons injury was not a break but the England international centre-back will still be sidelined for at least eight weeks with a badly sprained ankle.

Lazaridis was another casualty of the third round victory. The Australian international, playing at left back again in the absence of Jamie Clapham, limped out of the game seconds from half-time with a groin injury which the Blues boss expects to sideline him for three to four weeks.