Americans Abroad

Spector will have surgery to repair dislocated shoulder.

Jonathan Spector was carried off the field and sent directly to the hospital after he dislocated his shoulder Monday in a game against Portmouth. -- Charlton Athletic web site photo --

By Gary Davidson (in Washington, D.C.)
SoccerTimes

(Friday, April 21, 2006) -- Charlton Athletic defender Jonathan Spector saw his English Premier League season and World Cup hopes end today when it was decided he should undergo surgery for a dislocated shouder.

Spector, 20, returned to EPL power Manchester United, which loaned Spector to Charlton in July for the 2005-06 season. Man. U. will oversee the surgery, which is scheduled for Tuesday, and his rehabilitation.

"It looks like Spector is going to have to have an operation on his shoulder, so he could be out for some time, which is really disappointing," Charlton manager Alan Curbishley told the team's web site today. "He's gone back to Man. United because he's their player and they'll take control of the operation."

Where Spector will play next season remains an open question. "We'll have to see what happens after he's had the surgery," Curbishley said.

Spector was injured Monday after a violent collision with Benjani Mwaruwari in the 38th minute of a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth.

The Arlington Heights, Ill., native appeared 24 times for Charlton in league and Cup games this season.

Gary Davidson is SoccerTimes publisher and managing editor.

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