Monaco feeling the strain
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Article summary
AS Monaco FC will be without Shabani Nonda and Jaroslav Plašil for their trip to RC Deportivo La Coruña.
Article body
AS Monaco FC will be without Shabani Nonda and Jaroslav Plašil for the decisive UEFA Champions League Group A visit to RC Deportivo La Coruña on 8 December after both players suffered muscle strains.
Costly draw
Both the Congolese striker and the Czech midfield player sustained injuries in Saturday's 0-0 league draw at Toulouse FC and had to be replaced, with Plašil forced off after 34 minutes while Nonda was substituted ten minutes into the second half. "Nonda suffered a pulled muscle in his right thigh," said a member of Monaco's medical staff on Wednesday evening. "He will be sidelined for three or four weeks."
Fresh setback
Nonda, who was the top scorer in Ligue 1 in 2002/03 with 26 strikes in 35 games, had just returned to his best form after a serious knee injury and a muscular problem restricted him to just four league games last season and one appearance in the Champions League as Monaco unexpectedly reached the final.
Plašil scan
Plašil, meanwhile, faces two weeks on the sidelines according to the club doctor, who said: "Plašil suffered a a strain in his right groin muscle. Another MRI scan is required but he will miss roughly 15 days." Monaco currently lie second in Group A and must defeat Deportivo at the Riazor to be sure of progressing to the knockout stages.
