Cullen cautious with Wood’s recurring shoulder injury

6:48am Thursday 6th March 2008

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WOLVES boss Paul Cullen remains concerned about Paul Wood's recurring shoulder problems - even if the player is confident that he will not need an operation after his latest setback.

Wood will be fed up of the number six after being ruled out for a minimum of six weeks following another shoulder dislocation - just six minutes into a comeback from a full shoulder reconstruction six months ago.

The 26-year-old prop has had a total of four shoulder operations in the past but, writing this week in his exclusive blog for the Warrington Guardian website, said: "After seeing the specialist and having a scan on Monday afternoon, the scan showed no major damage.

"The specialist said that there was no need for surgery and that rehab and rest should see me okay.

"Although I have had four operations only one of those was a reconstruction, so maybe it sounds worse than it actually is.

"Hopefully I won't be sidelined for too long."

But Cullen, who revealed last week that the injury Wood suffered last August had threatened the forward's career, is staying cautious.

Fully aware that shoulder dislocations are notorious for being a recurring problem, he is keen to give the injury a couple of weeks before a final decision about whether an operation is needed.

Cullen said: "Option A is a six to eight week rehabilitation programme. Option B is, if that doesn't work, he requires a full shoulder reconstruction.

"We'll offer and support both options but only time will tell which one works. You'd rather not have an op but it's there if you need it.

"I was concerned when it happened and I still am now.

"It's the nature of the beast with shoulder injuries. Paul was good to go and had played very well the previous week in the reserves."

Read the rest of Wood's exclusive blog by clicking here .