Stan Back Sooner Than Expected?

Last updated : 15 January 2004 By Brian Cartlidge

Lazaridis sustained a groin injury in the FA Cup 3rd round win over Blackburn Rovers at St. Andrews on January 3rd and was expected to be sidelined for about three to four weeks.

However, the Australian international has made a speedy recovery from the injury and could even be in contention for first team selection as early as next weekends game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Blues manager Steve Bruce is being cautious however and has said that he will not rush any of his injured stars back until they are 100% fit.

"He could be back but the one thing you can't push is hamstrings, groins and muscle injuries. If you do that you try and take a gamble and they go again and could be out for another six weeks," said Bruce.

"We'll make sure we do everything properly but we're not going to just rush people into it because there's no need to take the risk.

"I'd love a few people back fit but we're not going to risk muscle injuries."



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