June 22 2002

Ade Akinbiyi

Ade Akinbiyi is set for a return to the side in November as he works on his fitness following an operation on his cartilage in the States.

He has been working to regain full strength in his knee and will soon start jogging before getting back to full fitness.

Elsewhere, Aki Riihilahti has had an operation on his elbow and Jamie Smith has had a minor cartilage operation.

Physio GEORGE COOPER said: "All three operations have been successful and even though Ade is set to be out for a lengthy period we are happy with how the further surgery went and now can start looking to his return to full fitness."