Drogba sidelined until final
Monday, May 10, 2004
Article summary
Olympique de Marseille centre-forward Didier Drogba has a hip injury and will be rested until the final.
Article body
Stretcher needed
Drogba, who scored both the French side's goals in their 2-0 home win against Newcastle United FC last week that sealed their final place, was hurt in the 1-0 defeat at AS Monaco FC yesterday. He suffered bruising to his left hip following a collision with Julien Rodriguez in the 87th minute and was taken off on a stretcher.
No risks
The Ivorian international should be fit to face Valencia CF in Gothenburg on 19 May but Marseille are keen to avoid any risks. The club said: "Drogba has also damaged some abdominal muscles. He will not play until the final." Drogba will sit out seventh-placed Marseille's matches at home against Montpellier Hérault SC on Wednesday and the trip to Toulouse FC next Saturday as they chase a UEFA Cup spot for next season.
