Knee injury forces Bellamy out of Newcastle squad

Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy will miss Sunday's clash with Kitchee at Hong Kong Stadium because of a knee injury - the seventh in his relatively young career.

The Wales international, who turned 25 yesterday, broke down in training last Friday and will skip the Far East tour that also includes an exhibition match against Thailand tonight.

Bellamy's career has been dogged by knee trouble for years and while his teammates arrived in Bangkok on Monday, the Cardiff-born forward was on the treatment table in Tyneside having his left knee attended to and uncertain of his immediate future.

The early prognosis does not look good and Bellamy is expected to miss the start of the Premiership season on August 14 when his club face Middlesbrough.

Toon chief Sir Bobby Robson will be kept updated about Bellamy's injury situation, although club officials said it is too early to determine the extent of the injury and whether more surgery is required.

Bellamy has already endured six major operations with Newcastle chiefs paying #100,000 for surgery from top American specialist Dr Richard Steadman last October. Another trip to the States could well be on the cards for Bellamy, who is also in danger of missing his country's clash against England in a World Cup qualifier on October 9.