Hamburg to be without Atouba

Cameroonian defender Timothée Atouba will miss Hamburger SV's return to UEFA Champions League against Arsenal FC after sustaining a groin injury.

Cameroon comfort
The 24-year old left-back has been complaining of pains on his pubic bone for six weeks and has left Hamburg for treatment in his home country, where he is expected to stay until the middle of next week. Atouba has only appeared in one league match this season and will definitely not play in Hamburg's opening match in Group G against Arsenal.

International honour
Atouba joined the north German club in summer of 2005, establishing himself as a key player in Thomas Doll's side. Prior to joining Hamburg, Atouba played for FC Basel 1893 and spent a spell on loan with Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur FC. He made the first of 27 appearances for Cameroon in 2003.