January 27 2004

Ben Watson

Crystal Palace have been rocked by the news that star Ben Watson will be out of action for a month, writes Chris Fidler from the South London Press.

The Camberwell-born midfielder saw a specialist on Monday about a troublesome groin problem. Watson then went under the knife on Tuesday.

Manager Iain Dowie said: "It should only keep him out for three to four weeks. In fact I have challenged him to beat my record of three weeks recovery."

It was right to get the problem sorted as he hadn't been playing 100 per cent fit."