Fernandez forced out by surgery
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Article summary
Olympique de Marseille coach Jean Fernandez has undergone surgery for gallstones and will not be with his team for their match against Bolton Wanderers FC.
Article body
'Unbearable pain'
The 51-year-old was taken to hospital on Friday with gastroenteritis but had hoped to be back to lead his team in training today. However, club president Pape Diouf said doctors were forced to operate this morning because of Fernandez's discomfort, adding: "He asked the doctors to postpone the surgery to next week to be with his players but the pain was unbearable."
Emon steps up
Fernandez is expected to remain in hospital for another two days and will certainly be absent when Bolton visit the Stade Vélodrome for the Round of 32 return leg after a 0-0 draw in England last week. In his absence, experienced assistant coach Albert Emon will take charge, as he did for Sunday's 1-0 league defeat at FC Metz.