Schwarzer To Be Right For World Cup

Mark Schwarzer’s World Cup dream is not likely to end in disappointment, after he underwent surgery last night on his fractured cheekbone.

Mark Schwarzer-s World Cup dream is not likely to end in disappointment, after he underwent surgery last night on his fractured cheekbone.

Middlesbrough-s head physio Grant Downie told the club-s website that while Schwarzer (pictured right) will miss the remainder of Boro-s season, he should be fit in time for Australia-s World Cup campaign.

He could be back on the training paddock with a protective mask within a fortnight, but it will likely be a month before he can play again, which will rule him out of Middlesbrough-s UEFA Cup semi final and possible final on May 10 in Eindhoven.

Schwarzer himself was more upbeat following the surgery suggesting that he might be available for the UEFA Cup final if the team wins the second leg of its semi final against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday night. They must overcome a 1-0 deficit from the away leg played in Bucharest.

The news is also must better on Australia-s other injured stars, with striker Mark Viduka expected to play next weekend, Harry Kewell is only expected to miss one match, while Everton is awaiting tests back on Tim Cahill-s injured knee, although initial indications are that it-s not too serious and he will be okay for the World Cup finals.