THE long-term news on David Thompson's knee is good, but the immediate future is not so rosy!

The midfielder is currently in Colorado, USA, at the clinic of Richard Steadman, world-renowned for his treatment of sports-related injuries. Here, he has undergone minor surgery to 'clean up' the knee that has been causing so much trouble of late.

Ewood chief executive John Williams said this morning: "I have spoken with our club doctor Phil Batty, who accompanied David to the USA. He reports that David has had limited surgery, but will have to undergo a strictly focused rehabilitation regime.

"The long term prognosis for a full recovery is very good, but the bottom line is we are going to be without David for quite some time. We have to face the fact he might not even play again this season."

Tommo underwent surgery on his knee in February this year and missed five months of last season as he recovered. He returned to action for the current campaign, putting in some impressive performances.

However, the troublesome knee has been flaring up, particularly after matches, hence the appointment with Professor Steadman.

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