Sneijder sidelined by broken rib
Friday, February 15, 2008
Article summary
Dutch international Wesley Sneijder will sit out both of Real Madrid CF's first knockout round matches against AS Roma after the wide man fractured a rib in training.
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Winger Wesley Sneijder will sit out Real Madrid CF's UEFA Champions League tie against AS Roma after breaking a rib in training.
Counted out
The Dutch international took a heavy blow to his left side in training today and the fracture will cause him to miss both legs of the first knockout round encounter. It is reported that Sneijder faces a minimum one-month lay-off, possibly six to eight weeks, but what is certain is his unavailability for the Roma games.
Back to fitness
The Spanish title-holders visit Rome on Tuesday before hosting the return match on 5 March. While Sneijder, 23, is ruled out, Madrid coach Bernd Schuster is likely to welcome back defenders Sergio Ramos and Gabriel Heinze from their respective injuries. Both are expected to be in the squad to face the Italian team along with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who has recovered from an ankle problem. Defender Miguel Torres is also fit again after a thigh strain.
