Aissati suffers knockout blow

Netherlands midfielder Ismaïl Aissati will miss the rest of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship after suffering "a real setback" in his recovery from an injury to his right knee.

Scans
The 18-year-old sustained the knock during the hosts' opening victory against Israel on Sunday, and a subsequent scan revealed no new damage to an old injury. However, further tests have confirmed a meniscus tear which has ended Aissati's hopes of claiming a second title at this level. Aissati was a key member of the Netherlands side that won the competition in Portugal last summer when he earned a place in the uefa.com team of the tournament.

Semi-final passage
"At the start of the tournament there were a lot of expectations but, after only 42 minutes, I had to come off injured," said the PSV Eindhoven prodigy. "When we went to the hospital it seemed OK but today we found out there is a problem so it's a real setback. At least we have shown the team can do well without me. I still feel part of the group but winning tonight doesn't feel the same as if you played." The Jong Oranje defeated Portugal 2-1 on Wednesday night to advance to the semi-finals and earn a place in the 2008 Olympic Games.