Hughes admits concern over Sol Bamba knee scare Albion Place, Edinburgh Midlothian Scotland
Hughes admits concern over Sol Bamba knee scare
Published: 21st June 2010
HIBS boss John Hughes today expressed his concern on learning the knee problem which dogged Sol Bamba last season has flared up again as the big defender prepares for tomorrow's World Cup clash with Brazil.
After sitting out the Ivory Coast's 0-0 draw with Portugal in their opening match in South Africa, the Easter Road star is now sweating over his fitness for the showdown with the world No.1s in Johannesburg.
But while that may be the 25-year-old's immediate concern, Hughes admitted the injury scare raises worries for Hibs with their Europa League campaign looming ever closer.
Hughes was taking steps to have the Ivorian Football Federation contacted to ascertain the extent of the problem, Bamba having been sent for a precautionary scan following the training ground injury.
Bamba himself has described the situation as "a bit worrying," adding: "It's the same knee that I had problems with at Hibs last season."
While an operation was deemed unnecessary, Hibs physio Colin McLelland devised a fitness regime for Bamba which included rest and strengthening the quadricep muscles in the player's thigh.
Hughes, however, is aware the danger may lie in Bamba pushing himself too far in his bid to force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans thus running the risk of returning to Edinburgh having exacerbated the problem.
Acknowledging Bamba's natural desire to play on football's biggest stage, Hughes said: "It's all very well gritting the teeth and running through brick walls only for Hibs to be left with the consequences.
"I'll be phoning Sol to find out exactly what the problem is. If it's exactly the same as last season then it's just inflammation which will go away with rest and taking it easy.
"Knowing Sol he's probably been going at it hammer and tongs trying to impress Mr Eriksson to get a start. I can totally understand Sol digging in as much as he can but that might be to his detriment, and our's.
"We have to trust the medical staff with the Ivory Coast squad. Sol is quite a strong character who, if possible, will be saying he is okay and that he can get through it. But we'll be seeing if we can get right up to date and see how serious it really is."
But while that may be the 25-year-old's immediate concern, Hughes admitted the injury scare raises worries for Hibs with their Europa League campaign looming ever closer.
Hughes was taking steps to have the Ivorian Football Federation contacted to ascertain the extent of the problem, Bamba having been sent for a precautionary scan following the training ground injury.
Bamba himself has described the situation as "a bit worrying," adding: "It's the same knee that I had problems with at Hibs last season."
While an operation was deemed unnecessary, Hibs physio Colin McLelland devised a fitness regime for Bamba which included rest and strengthening the quadricep muscles in the player's thigh.
Hughes, however, is aware the danger may lie in Bamba pushing himself too far in his bid to force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans thus running the risk of returning to Edinburgh having exacerbated the problem.
Acknowledging Bamba's natural desire to play on football's biggest stage, Hughes said: "It's all very well gritting the teeth and running through brick walls only for Hibs to be left with the consequences.
"I'll be phoning Sol to find out exactly what the problem is. If it's exactly the same as last season then it's just inflammation which will go away with rest and taking it easy.
"Knowing Sol he's probably been going at it hammer and tongs trying to impress Mr Eriksson to get a start. I can totally understand Sol digging in as much as he can but that might be to his detriment, and our's.
"We have to trust the medical staff with the Ivory Coast squad. Sol is quite a strong character who, if possible, will be saying he is okay and that he can get through it. But we'll be seeing if we can get right up to date and see how serious it really is."
