Könönen news cheers MyPa
Monday, April 14, 2003
Article summary
Myllykosken Pallo-47's Tuomo Könönen will miss two months of the new season rather than six as was feared.
Article body
Myllykosken Pallo-47's hopes of improving on last season's second-placed finish in the Finnish Veikkausliiga have been boosted by the news that defender Tuomo Könönen will miss only two months of the 2003 season rather than six as was initially feared.
'I'm relieved'
The 25-year-old dislocated his kneecap earlier this month, prompting club doctors to suggest that he could miss the entire season. However, they now expect Könönen to return to training in July. "I must admit I'm relieved," the player said. "I feared my season was over before it had even started, but now it seems I can return to action in the summer."
Possible signing
MyPa coach Juha Malinen is considering signing a replacement for Könönen, who missed just two league matches last season as the club finished five points behind champions HJK Helsinki. "Hungarian Gyorgy Rezmanyi is on trial this week," Malinen said. "He is one possible replacement for Könönen, though we have other options as well and I'm sure we will be a lot wiser by Easter." The Finnish season begins on the 15 May.
