Nowotny takes surgery option

NK Dinamo Zagreb defender Jens Nowotny underwent surgery on a damaged right knee today and is expected to be out of action for six weeks.

Concerns raised
It had been feared that the German international's career might be over after he was carried off during Dinamo's weekend league win against NK Medimurje, the 32-year-old having already had four major knee operations, but tests have revealed minor cartilage damage. "I haven't thought about bringing in a replacement as I doubt we could find such a quality player at short notice," Dinamo vice-president Zdravko Mamić said. Nowotny has made three league appearances since arriving in Croatia from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and also played in Dinamo's 3-0 first-leg defeat by Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.