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Hopefuls hit by serious setbacks

Jens Nowotny and Wayne Bridge both suffered major injuries ahead of the UEFA Champions League restart.

Nowotny nightmare
Leverkusen took maximum points from their trip to 1. FC Nürnberg but the victory was overshadowed by the news that Nowotny has suffered a career-threatening knee injury. The German international saw a specialist on Monday but is certain to miss the forthcoming ties. Midfielder Marko Babic is also out of the visit to Anfield after picking up an ankle injury in training, but should be back for the second leg.

Ballack doubt
Germany captain Michael Ballack is likely to miss FC Bayern München's game against Arsenal FC on Tuesday because of a thigh muscle strain. "It's increasingly unlikely he'll play," Bayern coach Felix Magath said. "He's an important player but bringing him back too soon could take so much out of him that we'd lose him for more games."

Bridge blow
José Mourinho's disappointment at seeing Chelsea knocked out of the FA Cup by Newcastle United FC on Sunday was worsened by the news that left-back Bridge could be out for the season with a suspected broken ankle. The English international was carried off on a stretcher after a challenge by Alan Shearer and Mourinho confirmed Bridge has "no chance" of travelling to face FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. Chelsea also finished the match with William Gallas and Damien Duff limping heavily.

Rossoneri rattled
Shevchenko fractured a cheekbone and eye socket during Milan's 1-0 Serie A win against Cagliari Calcio on Saturday. The Ukrainian will undergo surgery on Monday and will definitely sit out Wednesday's tie against Manchester United FC at Old Trafford. The injury also makes him extremely doubtful for next weekend's derby with FC Internazionale Milano but he may return for the second leg against United.

Xavi precaution
Deco scored twice to help Barça to a 2-0 win against RCD Mallorca on Saturday and with the game sewn up, coach Frank Rijkaard took off Xavi Hernández, who had received a knock earlier in proceedings. But the move is thought to be a precautionary one and the midfielder should be available for Wednesday.

Montero misery
Juventus FC forward David Trezeguet will skip Tuesday's match against Real Madrid CF in the Spanish capital after failing to shake off the flu. Trezeguet was sidelined for Saturday's 0-0 draw at FC Messina Peloro but had been expected to return for the game at the Santiago Bernabéu before it was revealed he will not join the travelling party. Defender Paolo Montero is also out having sustained a left thigh injury against Messina, and although Pavel Nedved has been included in Fabio Capello's squad after recovering from a knee injury he remains doubtful.

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