Huckerby operation is latest setback

Matthew Chambers Former Norwich City talisman Darren Huckerby was last night set to undergo an operation on a persistent hip problem. The 33-year-old has been plagued by the injury for most of the MLS season and has subsequently managed only 13 starts, scoring three goals, for the San Jose Earthquakes, who are languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference.

Matthew Chambers

Former Norwich City talisman Darren Huckerby was last night set to undergo an operation on a persistent hip problem.

The 33-year-old has been plagued by the injury for most of the MLS season and has subsequently managed only 13 starts, scoring three goals, for the San Jose Earthquakes, who are languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference.

The two-time Canaries player of the year, whose contract with the Quakes runs out at the end of the season, was believed to have had the operation in Colorado while the MLS season is currently in the midst of a three-week break.

Huckerby, who made 203 appearances for the Canaries scoring 48 goals and who was also named in City's all-time best XI, burst on to the MLS scene last year and was named the Newcomer of the Year.

However, this season has proved to be a huge disappointment with the Quakes out of play-off contention and having failed to record a win away from home while losing 12 of their 22 matches.

The Quakes' next match is at home against the Colorado Rapids on Friday night.