Shakhtar in shape for finale
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Article summary
FC Shakhtar Donetsk have loaned three players to Ukrainian clubs as Ciprian Marica returns to fitness.
Article body
Trio out
The UEFA Cup contenders, who meet AZ Alkmaar over two legs on 10 and 16 March, have sent 29-year-old Romanian defender Daniel Florea and 17-year-old Ukrainian forward Dmytro Moldovan to FC Metalurh Zaporizhya until the end of the season. Also leaving temporarily is U21 international midfielder Adrian Pukanych, who will spend the remainder of the campaign with FC Illychivets Mariupil.
Marica back
Meanwhile, Romania striker Marica hopes to be available for selection soon for the Ukrainian league leaders after a knee ligament injury that has sidelined him since last November. "I feel good and I will be returning to full training very soon," the 19-year-old said. "Our doctors say that in a week I'll be ready to play."