Rivaldo sits out Bayern visit
Monday, October 21, 2002
Article summary
Rivaldo will be absent through injury when AC Milan attempt to qualify for the second stage on Wednesday.
Article body
Muscle injury
The Brazilian playmaker scored his first goal for the Rossoneri in yesterday's 4-1 Serie A victory against Atalanta BC before a muscle injury in the 77th minute saw him replaced by Serginho. Tests today revealed that Rivaldo had strained muscles in his right thigh which although not serious will require a few days' rest, forcing him out of a Group G fixture which could extinguish Bayern's hopes of advancing to the next phase.
Shevchenko return?
The loss of Rivaldo could be tempered by the return of Ukrainian international Andriy Shevchenko after two months out with a knee injury. Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "He [Shevchenko] is ready to play although I am not sure he will against Bayern. He has completely recovered and now just needs to find his peak physical condition."
Maximum points
Milan top Group G having won all three matches so far, the most recent being a thrilling 2-1 success at Bayern's Olympiastadion. The German side, Champions League winners in 2001, have taken just one point from a possible nine.
