Watson injury less serious that first feared

Last updated : 20 November 2012 By Paul Farrington

But news from the medical room this morning is much improved after scans showed the midfielder has suffered a clean break. A more complicated fracture would have required surgery and a lengthened recovery period.

Speaking about the good news, Martinez said: “It’s very, very positive news about Ben. Straight after the game we were very concerned about how serious the injury might be, and the fact he may need surgery.

“Obviously if surgery had been required, it would have been a lengthy and complicated recovery. Thankfully, everything has gone the way we wanted with regards the way we’d like to treat it, which is conservatively.

“Ben has his full leg in plaster, and the specialist is confident he’ll be able to make a full recovery relatively quickly. Obviously we’ll miss Ben while he’s out, but it’s nowhere near as bad as it could have been and that is great news.”

An exact time from has been avoided with Martinez reluctant to put pressure on a return but it is believed to be around ten to twelve weeks as opposed to six or so months.