Setback prompts Weaver to consult surgeon

SHEFFIELD Wednesday goalkeeper Nicky Weaver has flown to the United States in an attempt to save his playing career.

Weaver is visiting the Ohio surgeon who extended his career seven years ago by inserting a dead man’s cartilage into his right knee.

The Owls have also lost new signing Ryan Lowe to injury ahead of tomorrow’s game with League One leaders Milton Keynes Dons at Hillsborough.

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Weaver, now 32, had managed minor problems with the knee since 2004 but was unable to run last week after a training ground setback.

Manager Gary Megson said: “All we know is that he was injured last week and, fingers crossed, when he comes back from the States – although it won’t be good news – it will be better news.

“He is going to Cleveland to see someone who he saw the last time he was having major problems. Nicky has a lot of faith in him and wants to go across and see him again. Once the surgeon has done his work, we will know more.”

Weaver’s absence means Richard O’Donnell, 22, will be given another opportunity to prove his worth after deputising in Monday night’s televised 1-1 draw at Charlton Athletic.

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He had also played the majority of the previous game against Bradford City in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy when Weaver was substituted, albeit uninjured, after less than two minutes.

Megson said: “Richard is a good young goalkeeper and his performance against Charlton was good. We have a great deal of confidence in him – but that’s not to say we wouldn’t get another one in if needs be.”

Striker Lowe suffered a sprained ankle against Charlton but should be back within the next two weeks.

“It’s unfortunate for Ryan that he won’t get the opportunity to play this weekend at Hillsborough but he’s here for the long term not just the short term,” stressed Megson, who is still without striker Chris O’Grady, injured since his arrival from Rochdale five weeks ago.

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The Owls, however, will be able to call upon winger Jermaine Johnson – sidelined since under-going knee surgery on the eve of the season – and, possibly, left-back Julian Bennett who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Winger Daniel Jones (ankle) and full-back Jon Otsemebor (calf) will again miss out but utility player Liam Palmer and centre-back Reda Johnson are available after returning from international duty with the Scotland Under-21s and Benin, respectively.

Defender Mark Beevers, on loan to MK Dons from the Owls, is not eligible to play.