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Mellor and Pongolle fitness update
Jun 12 2005
Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama-Pongolle will not be fit for the start of pre-season training, but both are making steady progress as they bid to overcome serious knee injuries.
Mellor underwent surgery for tendonitis on both knees four months ago, whilst Sinama sustained cruciate ligament damage in the Carling Cup semi final at Watford in January.
Mellor had hoped to be back for the start of pre-season, but he told TLW: "It's taking a lot longer than I thought to be honest. I certainly won't be ready to train when all the lads first report back."
He added: "It will be at least a couple of weeks after that, as I'm not even running yet. Hopefully I will be able to play a part in the Champions League qualifying rounds, but I don't think I'll be ready until maybe the third round."
It's a familiar story for Mellor, who has seen his last two pre-seasons disrupted by injury. He explained: "It’s very frustrating because I've never had a full pre-season since I've been with the first team squad."
There was better news on Sinama however, as Mellor revealed: "I think Flo's a little bit ahead of me, he’s doing well."
The reds are due back for pre-season training at the end of June, and have to play their first Champions League qualifying game on 12/13 July.
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