Lamouchi loses fitness race
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Article summary
Sabri Lamouchi is out of the second leg of Olympique de Marseille's UEFA Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers FC while coach Jean Fernandez is in hospital.
Article body
Olympique de Marseille have suffered a double blow, losing Sabri Lamouchi for Thursday's UEFA Cup encounter against Bolton Wanderers FC on Thursday while coach Jean Fernandez has been hospitalised.
Lamouchi out
Lamouchi will sit out the second leg of his side's finely-poised Round of 32 tie against Bolton after failing to recover from a groin injury. The 34-year-old midfielder, who also missed the goalless first-leg draw at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday, is unlikely to return to action until next month. "Lamouchi won't be back until 5 March," the club revealed.
Fernandez woe
Meanwhile, Fernandez was taken to hospital on Friday and will miss his side's trip to FC Metz on Sunday. The Marseille coach is suffering from a bout of gastroenteritis and will remain under supervision for the next 48 hours before being allowed to return home. Assistant Albert Emon will take charge of the team for the Metz match.