Bellamy targets semi-final return

Craig Bellamy was carried off early in Liverpool's win over PSV

The knee injury sustained by Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is not as serious as first feared - and he should be fit by their Champions League semi-final.

The 27-year-old, stretchered off against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, has a medial ligament problem.

A club spokesman said: "Craig will have a couple of days intensive treatment which should improve the situation."

Liverpool are hopeful Bellamy will be fit in time to face Chelsea in the semi-final first leg on 25 April.

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Manager Rafael Benitez initially feared a scan would be necessary to determine the extent of the damage - but that is not now thought to be the case.

The striker is expected to sit out Saturday's trip to Manchester City and the following home match with Middlesbrough next Wednesday.

But the Welsh striker is targeting a return against Wigan on 21 April ahead of the Champions League tie.

Bellamy's international manager, John Toshack, will also be eager to have his best striker firing on all cylinders for Wales' 26 May friendly with New Zealand in Wrexham.

That is followed swiftly by a must-win Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on 2 June in Cardiff.

Bellamy has suffered with knee problems throughout his career and has had six operations.

Only a referral to renowned American knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman helped steady a recurring problem that at one stage had threatened Bellamy's career.