From the Treatment Room

We will start with the positive news, which is that Carlton Cole has recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered at Tottenham Hotspur on 22 February. Carlton has resumed full training and will be available for Saturday’s game against Sunderland.

Another positive note is that, although Adrian dislocated his finger in the warm-up ahead of the Arsenal game at the weekend, he had it put back in and taped up by physiotherapist Dominic Rogan before the game. Adrian played through the pain, which is not to be under-estimated, and he too will be available to face Sunderland.

Adrian avoided a fracture and ligament damage, so he has been receiving treatment by wearing a brace during the night this week to ensure his finger remains pointing in the right direction! He was held out of one training session as a precaution but he will be ready to play on Saturday.

Unfortunately, we have had two setbacks in the defence. James Tomkins underwent successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder on Wednesday and will now commence his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to fitness before the end of the season.

Doneil Henry injured his hamstring during his loan spell with Blackburn Rovers and, after consulting with a specialist, he will have an operation at the end of the week.

Winston Reid is recovering and rehabbing well from the hamstring injury he suffered against Chelsea on 4 March. He is working hard on his fitness and is getting closer to a return.

Andy Carroll no longer needs crutches to walk and now only has a brace on the knee he injured against Southampton on 11 February. Andy is still limited, but from Tuesday this week we significantly increased his rehab and are able to do a wider variety exercises. Andy’s rehab is going well and everything is still on schedule.

Enner Valencia lacerated his big toe on 10 March and unfortunately he will not be available this weekend, but is on schedule to return after the international break.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science