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Former Fulham
midfielder Jimmy Bullard |
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Hull City have confirmed that former Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard will have to undergo surgery on a knee injury in America on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old, who spent 18 months on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in September 2006, only joined the Tigers last month and has made one substitute appearance for the club.
A statement on the club's official website read:
"Jimmy Bullard will be having an arthroscopy on Wednesday to deal with a small tear in his cartilage.
"Hull City agree with Jimmy that the best man to perform this procedure is the surgeon who dealt with his knee injury while he was playing for Fulham.
"Jimmy will therefore be going to Denver, where the surgeon is based, for this treatment."
Bullard suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury while playing for Fulham against Newcastle in September 2006 which ruled him out for almost one-and-a-half years.
Since becoming Hull City's record signing when joining in a £5m deal from Fulham almost a month ago, Jimmy Bullard has played just 37 minutes of football for the Tigers.
He suffered a jarring of his right knee in a challenge with Scott Parker on his debut at West Ham, and has since been fighting for fitness to be able to rejoin the Tigers survival battle.
This is how events have unfolded.
Friday, January 23.
Jimmy Bullard becomes Hull City's record signing when he joins from Fulham in a £5m deal.
Saturday, January 24.
Bullard is given a hero's reception as he is unveiled to fans before City's clash with Millwall in the FA Cup.
Wednesday, January 28
Makes his debut in a Tigers shirt, but only as a second half substitute in a 2-0 defeat at West Ham. Playing just 37 minutes, Bullard is impressive, but suffers what appeared to be a minor knock to his knee in a challenge with Scott Parker. Despite this, he recovers to play the rest of the game.
Friday, January 30
Manager Phil Brown says his only injury concern ahead of the clash with West Brom surrounds his £5m man Bullard.
He reveals the 30-year-old underwent precautionary scans on his jolted right knee, but Brown says he is confident his new playmaker will be fit.
Saturday, January 31
Bullard is deemed not fit to play against West Brom and it is revealed the Tigers have sent scans of the injury to America for an opinion on them. They are sent to renowned US-based specialist Dr Richard Steadman, who helped Bullard back to fitness following his previous knee injury at Fulham.
Tuesday, February 3
Phil Brown says Bullard's injury is still being assessed but says he is confident no operation will be needed. "Jimmy came into my office and said he feels adamant he doesn't feel like he needs an operation, but we are not taking any chances." he told the Mail.
Wednesday, February 4
Tigers chairman Paul Duffen says Bullard will be out of action for a maximum of two weeks, even if an operation is required. Duffen said: "Jimmy is completely stable and the worst case scenario is that he will be out 10 days to two weeks. That means he will be available to return in time to play Tottenham. Even if he does need an operation, it will only be to trim a ligament like Bernard Mendy had earlier in the season."
Saturday, February 7
Bullard travels with the Tigers to Dubai after apparently narrowly missing out on the draw at Chelsea.
Saturday, February 14
Despite manager Phil Brown saying he may be fit to play some part in the game. Jimmy Bullard is again not selected to face Sheffield United in the FA Cup.
Tuesday, February 17
City confirm in a statement that Bullard is to undergo knee surgery in America tomorrow.