Double blow for Wearsiders

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It was revealed on Wednesday that £5.5million signing Kieran Richardson could be sidelined for up to three months with a stress fracture of the back, and to compound matters, fellow winger Carlos Edwards will also be out of action for several more weeks after suffering a second hamstring tear.

Keane said: "We have had bad news on Kieran. He saw a specialist this week and he has a stress fracture of his back. We will have more news after he sees a surgeon. I would have thought that he will be out for two to three months."

He added: "It's a major disappointment. Kieran was able to do elements of training but it affected him when he twisted or hit the ball hard.

"In the last week or two, we were hoping that it might settle down, but clearly it's a lot more serious."

Former Manchester United player Richardson, 22, has made only three appearances for his new club and may now not add to that until December.

The loss of 28-year-old Edwards is also a major blow for Keane, who saw the Trinidad and Tobago international inject real pace and goals into the club's Coca-Cola Championship title charge last season.

He initially damaged his hamstring in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham four days into the campaign, and has not played since.

Edwards returned to training but broke down once again last week and is now facing a fresh spell in the treatment room.

Keane told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "It's not the same injury, but it's a similar type of injury in the same area. It's a setback for the lad and for us because he's a big player for us."