Dempsey won't require knee surgery

Published Jan. 19, 2010 10:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

American striker Clint Dempsey should be fit for the World Cup after being told his right knee won't need surgery.

Dempsey's Premier League club Fulham said on Tuesday that a scan showed he sustained only moderate damage while playing in Sunday's loss at Blackburn.

"The news about Clint's injury is positive, especially given the fact that he will not require surgery," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said in a statement.

"We are confident that Clint will be ready to be an important part of our team during the World Cup."

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson had feared Dempsey tore his posterior cruciate ligament.

"Early indications are positive in that no operation is required," Fulham said in a statement.

"At this stage it is thought that the injury will not prevent him from featuring for Fulham prior to the end of the season (in May)."

Dempsey has become one of the best attacking options for the U.S. team, which plays England, Slovenia and Algeria in the first round of the World Cup in June.

He has 17 goals in 60 international appearances for the U.S. and seven goals this season for Fulham, including six in the Premier League.