Barrett mystery illness diagnosed - January 12, 2001
The mystery illness which curtailed Graham Barrett's loan period at Bristol Rovers has been diagnosed as glandular fever, the debilitating disease which drains sufferers of energy. The Irish u21 international is likely to be out of the game for some months.
It's a severe blow to the young Arsenal striker at a critical stage of his career.
With the likes of Kanu, Bergkamp, Henry and Wiltord in the squad, first-team chances for the highly-rated youngster are few and far between at Highbury. Arsenal were anxious to farm Barrett out this season to give him first-team experience - and lower division teams were literally queuing up for his services.
Ireland u21 manager Don Givens has been briefed by the player and his Arsenal youth development boss, Liam Brady.
Givens said: "Graham is completely drained of energy. It looks like he will be out of action for some time."