Americans Abroad

Lewis returns to training, hopes to play for North End Saturday.

(Thursday, April 22, 2004) -- United States midfielder Eddie Lewis returned to training Preston North End training Monday and hopes to play Saturday in a home match against Cardiff in England's First Division.

Lewis, 29, had right-side hernia surgery March 16, returning to practice at the beginning of April. While running on April 8, Lewis experienced pain on his left side with team physician Andrew Balderston speculating the American had suffered another hernia and could be sidelined for a lengthy period of time.

After seeing a specialist, Lewis escaped the most dire possibilities and was out about 10 days before returning to training.

"I feel great and it good to be back in training with the lads," Lewis told White's World on North End web site. "I am just looking forward to getting through this week now and hopefully being available for selection against Cardiff at the weekend."

In his last action, Lewis found net with a 20-yard free kick in the 90th minute for a 3-3 draw with Sunderland. Since then, Preston (15-16-12, 57 points) has seen its hopes of making the promotion playoff dies, compiling a 1-4-3 record and sinking to 14th place.

PNE manager Craig Brown surely would love to see Lewis back in the lineup. Before his injury, Lewis was one of the most effective North Enders and Preston has been thin on the left flank recently, including Saturday' 5-1 setback at Derby.

Lewis also would like to be playing for the U.S. men in its opening-round two-match CONCACAF World Cup qualifying series against Grenada June 13 and 20.

Gary Davidson is SoccerTimes' managing editor. E-mail Gary Davidson.