Nafti Out For Months

Last updated : 11 August 2005 By Brian Cartlidge

The Tunisian international midfielder lasted just two minutes of Blues' second game of The Juan Cauna Trophy Tournament against Deportivo's 'A' side last Friday after taking a heavy fall and tests have showed that Nafti had damaged cruciate knee ligaments.

"It sums up the last 12 months," said Bruce.

"Nobody has suffered long-term injuries the way we have, after the way we lost Mikael Forssell, Muzzy Izzet, Dunny and Stan Lazaridis last season.

"With Mehdi now, no other Premiership club have suffered five major injuries like that.

"It seemed an innocuous challenge. We thought he'd got got away with it, after all, he was able to walk onto the plane on Monday.

"But this is a massive blow. As to whether he's now out for the whole season, you'd have to think so.

"We have to look at our options as regards replacements, which is difficult as we've only just heard the news. I haven't even thought about it yet."