Jens Nowotny suffered a serious injury on Saturday (?Getty Images)
Hopefuls hit by serious setbacks
Monday, 21 February 2005
Bayer 04 Leverkusen central defender Jens Nowotny, Chelsea FC full-back Wayne
Bridge all AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko all suffered serious injuries
at the weekend to dash their hopes of starring in this week's UEFA Champions
League first knockout round matches.

Nowotny nightmare
Leverkusen took maximum points from their trip to 1. FC Nürnberg but the
victory was overshadowed by the news that Nowotny has suffered a
career-threatening knee injury. The German international saw a specialist on
Monday but is certain to miss the forthcoming ties. Midfielder Marko Babic is
also out of the visit to Anfield after picking up an ankle injury in
training, but should be back for the second leg.

Ballack doubt
Germany captain Michael Ballack is likely to miss FC Bayern München's game
against Arsenal FC on Tuesday because of a thigh muscle strain. "It's
increasingly unlikely he'll play," Bayern coach Felix Magath said. "He's an
important player but bringing him back too soon could take so much out of him
that we'd lose him for more games."

Bridge blow
José Mourinho's disappointment at seeing Chelsea knocked out of the FA Cup
by Newcastle United FC on Sunday was worsened by the news that left-back
Bridge could be out for the season with a suspected broken ankle. The English
international was carried off on a stretcher after a challenge by Alan
Shearer and Mourinho confirmed Bridge has "no chance" of travelling to face
FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. Chelsea also finished the match with William Gallas
and Damien Duff limping heavily.

Rossoneri rattled
Shevchenko fractured a cheekbone and eye socket during Milan's 1-0 Serie A
win against Cagliari Calcio on Saturday. The Ukrainian will undergo surgery
on Monday and will definitely sit out Wednesday's tie against Manchester
United FC at Old Trafford. The injury also makes him extremely doubtful for
next weekend's derby with FC Internazionale Milano but he may return for the
second leg against United.

Xavi precaution
Deco scored twice to help Bar?a to a 2-0 win against RCD Mallorca on Saturday
and with the game sewn up, coach Frank Rijkaard took off Xavi Hernández, who
had received a knock earlier in proceedings. But the move is thought to be a
precautionary one and the midfielder should be available for Wednesday.

Montero misery
Juventus FC forward David Trezeguet will skip Tuesday's match against Real
Madrid CF in the Spanish capital after failing to shake off the flu.
Trezeguet was sidelined for Saturday's 0-0 draw at FC Messina Peloro but had
been expected to return for the game at the Santiago Bernabéu before it was
revealed he will not join the travelling party. Defender Paolo Montero is
also out having sustained a left thigh injury against Messina, and although
Pavel Nedved has been included in Fabio Capello's squad after recovering from
a knee injury he remains doubtful.

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