Injury blow for Schmeichel

Kevin Keegan's injury woes worsened tonight after Peter Schmeichel picked up a knock during Manchester City's 3-1 win over Preston and could miss the start of the season.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper was removed after only 20 minutes at Deepdale with what Keegan thought was a cartilage problem.

City were already without last season's top scorer Shaun Goater and goalkeeper Nicky Weaver and the jinx struck again when Marc-Vivien Foe returned from a trip to the City of Manchester Stadium, which is soon to be City's new home, with an eye infection.

But the major worry is Schmeichel. His removal was thought to be one of many early substitutions typical of the pre-season phoney war. But it turned out to be much more sinister.

"He could miss the start of the new season," said former England coach Keegan. "It doesn't look good but we will have to wait and see.

"Peter will have a scan tomorrow. It's a cartilage thing we think but it's too early to say."

However his problems could be eased with the early return of Weaver.

The former England Under-21 international underwent an operation on his knee recently and the signs were good for a swift recall.

Keegan said: "He'll be fit for the start of the season if he continues to make the progress he's making now. He's just had his knee cleaned out again."

Foe, who will miss the first four Premier League games through suspension, will not travel to City's next match against Keegan's former club Hamburg.

But he should not be out much longer than that.

"He's got an eye infection that's all," said Keegan.

"He went to the Commonwealth Games and came back saying he couldn't even see the track. He'll not be alright for the Hamburg trip so I'll be taking the same squad as tonight."