Mason rules out by metatarsal
The Mikes will be without unfortunate striker Mark Mason for a number of weeks.
After playing the first game of the season for the reserves, Mason was handed the chance to stake his first team claim against Highgate United on Tuesday, when Lee Osborne missed the game due to a knock picked up on the opening day. His appearance lasted around 6 minutes, as he was taken off after falling awkwardly under a late challenge. Unable to carry on, he was replaced by Nathan Gough.
On the advice of club physio Johanne Andersen, Mark had the injury x-rayed on Wednesday. His worst fears were realised, as the examination revealed he had broken a metatarsal. He faces up to four weeks in plaster followed by the inevitable rehabilitation work.
Rob Clarke commented: "Mase phoned me with the news and he is devastated. After being bitterly disappointed to miss out on the first team action on the opening day, his attitude for the reserves was absolutely spot on and he was looking to take full advantage of this early opportunity. I feel for him, but I'm sure this will heighten his resolve and he will come back strongly. Unfortunately, injuries are part and parcel of the game, so the door now opens for someone else as it did for Mark"
We wish Mark a speedy recovery under the watchful eyes of Johanne Andersen and Jim Walker, and hopefully we will see him annoying the life out of opposition defences as soon as possible.
Mason is in good company, there have been sixteen metatarsal fractures reported amongst England internationals from 2002-2008: Beckham, Neville, Murphy, Rooney, Gerrard, Parker, Cole, Owen, King, Sinclair, Nugent, Barton, Heskey, Rooney (multiple relapses) and captain Terry.
