Fenerbahçe lose Alex for Arsenal trip

Fenerbahçe SK captain Alex will miss his side's trip to Arsenal FC on Wednesday due to a thigh strain.

Hopes dashed
The 31-year-old Brazilian playmaker was forced to leave the pitch three minutes before half-time during Saturday's 2-2 Turkish league draw at Eskişehirspor, having scored both his team's goals. Although early diagnoses were positive about his chances of facing Arsenal, a scan has revealed that Alex had serious inflammation in his right thigh. "We have immediately started his treatment but it is impossible for him to play against Arsenal," said club doctor Piyer Arzuman. Bottom of Group G, a loss in London could end Fenerbahçe's hopes of reaching the knockout phase.