Millwall's Edwards facing long injury layoff

London, Sep 30 (IANS/CMC) Millwall's Trinidad and Tobago winger Carlos Edwards is facing nearly a year on the sidelines after undergoing "detailed" knee surgery to correct damaged ligaments.

The 35-year-old fell awkwardly during the south-east London football club's 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago and had to be stretchered off, reports CMC.

Tests showed he had suffered cruciate and lateral ligament damage and a ruptured hamstring muscle.

"He'll be out for a minimum of nine months but it will probably be 12 months. It was a freak injury," Millwall manager Ian Holloway said.

"But apart from the horrible, traumatic injury that Carlos has suffered, the surgeon is very pleased with his knee. The joint itself is as good as anybody's. There is no reason why the operation won't work."

He added: "He's a very intelligent and fit boy and he's very dedicated. There's no reason why he can't get back playing. Everybody is gutted for him because he's made a big difference. He's a big part of the squad and very popular here."

Edwards signed a one-year deal at Millwall in May, following a three-month loan spell at the club in which he scored one goal in eight appearances.

A right winger who has converted to right back, Edwards has made already made eight appearances for Millwall this season in the League Championship, England's second tier.

"Carlos had a detailed knee operation, it was long and involved full reconstructive surgery to his ligaments," club physio Bobby Bacic said.

"He will remain on crutches and in a brace for the next six weeks. We will then take it stage by stage. The surgeon was very pleased at the end of the operation and Carlos is in a positive frame of mind."

Edwards was a member of the Trinidad and Tobago squad which qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Germany eight years ago.

--IANS/CMC

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