Alkmaar dealt major Martens blow

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Maarten Martens may not play again this season after suffering a cruciate ligament tear in his left knee.

Six-month absence
The 23-year-old Belgium player was injured 38 minutes into Sunday's Dutch Eredivisie win at NAC Breda and, after hospital tests, it has been confirmed that he will undergo surgery in November and will be sidelined for six months.

European campaigner
The playmaker's absence will be a major blow to AZ coach Louis van Gaal. Alkmaar lie 12th in the Eredivisie and play their second UEFA Cup Group A game at home to Larissa FC on 29 November, having drawn their opener 1-1 at FC Zenit St. Petersburg. Martens captained his country to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in June. He has been capped twice at senior level.