Culverhouse and Karsa suspended (Now both sacked: Reply #876)

[Malandro]

I thought it was reported, on here I think, that the injury to Benteke was just one of those unfortunate injuries that happened when no one was anywhere near him.  It may also be that; that is the official line being put out by the club.  Cover up and all that.

I think it is more likely just an unfortunate one - otherwise I'm sure Benteke would have spoken out - it did end his world cup after all

[Diablo]

Didn't Benteke make a cryptic/ confusing comment relating to his injury (which was put down as something that was just lost in translation?)

[nodge]

It was the bit in bold that people thought was lost in translation.


Christian Benteke has voiced his frustration at having to miss the World Cup but is determined to return ahead of schedule for Aston Villa next season.

Benteke's hopes of playing for Belgium in Brazil this summer were wrecked when he ruptured an Achilles tendon in training at the start of April.

He had been relishing the prospect of showcasing his talent on the biggest stage after an eye-catching 18 months for Villa in the Premier League, and admits it has been a difficult period.

However, he has received the support of his Belgian team-mates and national team boss Marc Wilmots, who battled through a number of injuries during his own playing career.

Reflecting on the moment he got injured, Benteke told RTBF: "As soon as I heard a noise, I fell down.

"I immediately asked a team-mate if it was not broken or if he saw a wound. The fact that he said 'no', was a relief for me. 'Phew, I'm likely to go to Brazil' was what I thought. I tried to stand up, but immediately fell down.

"My balance was gone. I went to the physio room and the doctor told me I would probably out for six months as my Achilles tendon looked torn. I kept on hoping as long as I hadn't had a scan, but when the diagnosis was confirmed, I didn't feel sad, I felt frustrated.

"I was thinking about all the sacrifices I'd made and that I'd deserved to be at the World Cup. That's what I mean with frustration.

"People have said lots of positive things to me. To be honest, I didn't expect that. There were many people who were disgusted with what happened to me and not only people from the world of football. This is what gives strength to stand up and move on."

Benteke added: "When Belgium play their first game against Algeria, on June 17, there will be a little frustration, but I think I can easily watch.

"Marc Wilmots, the national manager, called me on the day I injured myself. He told me injuries are a part of football.

"In a career, there are tough times. He has even bounced back, after a lot of operations, to play at the age of 33. Why shouldn't I? I got a lot of support from Marouane Fellaini and Eden Hazard, but also Vincent Kompany called me to encourage me."

While a six-month lay-off would rule Benteke out of action until at least October, the striker is optimistic that he will come back sooner than expected.

Having missed the end of the season as Villa staved off the threat of relegation, the striker is looking forward to getting back at the earliest possible opportunity.

He said: "I'm convinced I will be back faster than expected. After my injury I also thought about Villa. I had ambitions, but a lot of things crossed my mind.

"At that point we weren't even sure we would stay in the Premier League, but I'm relieved the boys avoided the drop.

"There are many people who have said it will take me six months to get back, but I am sure I will be back faster."

[Gerrin]

I thought it was reported, on here I think, that the injury to Benteke was just one of those unfortunate injuries that happened when no one was anywhere near him.  It may also be that; that is the official line being put out by the club.  Cover up and all that.

Torn Achilles is not an impact injury, so I doubt its true.

[Trinitymiddle]

Dont think Kevin MacDonald is working at the mo. Might be worth giving him a call.

[ozzjim]

It is a good point, it is hard to imagine a tackle rupturing an achilles, it is snap more than an impact. Horrible though.

Now these 2 have gone (was Karsa ever a footballer?) you have to hope we recruit a couple of really good coaches to replace them that will move the side forward. Watching Derby you can see how McLaren has got them working the ball. A coach that has that mentality would be nice.

[PaulWinch again]

It is a good point, it is hard to imagine a tackle rupturing an achilles, it is snap more than an impact. Horrible though.

Now these 2 have gone (was Karsa ever a footballer?) you have to hope we recruit a couple of really good coaches to replace them that will move the side forward. Watching Derby you can see how McLaren has got them working the ball. A coach that has that mentality would be nice.

That's it, I'd expect most high level footballers to be able to pass the ball well so it's all about coaching.

[ozzjim]

And the ehtos of the coaching to encourage players to express themselves. I always felt Houllier wanted the young players to do just that, show what they could do, but Lambert seems much more about being functional of late.

[eamonn]

The incident happened in the lead up to the Fulham game and if you remember Gabby and Delph were not even in the squad for the Fulham game, initially they were punished but eventually the real instigators were suspended, I will ask my friend if he can give me the name of the guy who knows Gordon Cowans, its just what ive been told so thought I would pass it on to H@V

I heard something completely different, supposedly coming from someone close to Cowans, which means either your source or mine is talking out of their arse.

To be fair, it's probably both.

So what did your source say? Come on, let's be 'avin ya.

[Mister E]

Dont think Kevin MacDonald is working at the mo. Might be worth giving him a call.

Maybe, might be an interesting combination

[JUAN PABLO]

Dont think Kevin MacDonald is working at the mo. Might be worth giving him a call.

Maybe, might be an interesting combination

he prefers it in the pub at Narborough .   

[silhillvilla]

I thought it was reported, on here I think, that the injury to Benteke was just one of those unfortunate injuries that happened when no one was anywhere near him.  It may also be that; that is the official line being put out by the club.  Cover up and all that.

Torn Achilles is not an impact injury, so I doubt its true.

Torn or snapped ? Official line or truth ?

[dave.woodhall]

I thought it was reported, on here I think, that the injury to Benteke was just one of those unfortunate injuries that happened when no one was anywhere near him.  It may also be that; that is the official line being put out by the club.  Cover up and all that.

Torn Achilles is not an impact injury, so I doubt its true.

Torn or snapped ? Official line or truth ?

It's getting a bit tedious now.

[dave.woodhall]

If anyone wants us, and them, sued, carry on posting what has just had to be deleted on here.

[nodge]

You might want to delete the quote on page 61 too then Dave