Xisco to miss Besiktas test
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Article summary
Valencia CF striker Xisco Muñoz is out of the UEFA Cup third round first-leg tie with Besiktas JK.
Article body
Muscle tear
Xisco suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday's 3-0 home win against Club Atlético de Madrid and was withdrawn by coach Rafael Benítez in the 74th minute. Tests conducted at the club's clinic this week revealed a small tear to his right hamstring which will keep him sidelined for the next two to three weeks.
UEFA blow
The 23-year-old forward has no chance of returning in time for the first leg against Besiktas at the Mestalla on 27 February and will also miss important league matches against Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol. However he has an outside chance of returning in time for the second leg in Turkey on 3 March.
Fábio Aurélio recovery
Meanwhile, on a brighter note, Valencia left-back Fábio Aurélio is back in training following an eight month absence with a knee injury.
