Aranzabal adds to Real woe
Monday, March 1, 2004
Article summary
Real Sociedad de Fútbol defender Agustín Aranzabal will miss the return match against Olympique Lyonnais.
Article body
Broken nose
After goalkeeper Sander Westerveld was sidelined for two months last week with a fractured finger, left-back Aranzabal has now been ruled out for at least a fortnight with a broken nose. The 30-year-old defender suffered the injury in yesterday's 1-0 home defeat by Albacete Balompié.
Lyon date
Aranzabal actually played the whole of the match but subsequent tests revealed the extent of the injury, and he had surgery last night and will now miss the first knockout-round return against Olympique Lyonnais on 9 March. Real lost the first leg 1-0 at home last week. Until now, Aranzabal had played every minute of Real's matches in the competition this season.
Not as serious
Real midfield player Xabi Alonso suffered a similar injury against Albacete but his condition is less severe. He should return to action for next Saturday's trip to face CA Osasuna.
