Agali worry for Schalke
Thursday, October 17, 2002
Article summary
FC Schalke 04's Victor Agali is doubtful for the UEFA Cup second-round tie against Legia Warszawa.
Article body
FC Schalke 04 striker Victor Agali could miss the first leg of the German Cup winners' UEFA Cup second-round tie against Legia Warszawa.
Strained ligaments
Agali strained ligaments in his knee during the 1. Bundesliga win against Hamburger SV on 5 October and the problem is now expected to keep him out for a further fortnight. Besides missing Saturday's visit to TSV 1860 München, the 23-year-old Nigerian is also doubtful for the home game against 1. FC Nürnberg on 26 October - a match that falls five days before the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie in Poland.
'A harsh setback'
"Victor Agali will be out," Schalke coach Frank Neubarth said, looking ahead to the weekend. "This is a harsh setback for us. There's even a little tearing, so I worry about him being sidelined for longer than just Saturday. We've had problems in attack all season and it's very difficult just to have one fit striker."
Injured list
On the bright side, Jörg Böhme and Emile Mpenza are back in the Schalke squad after injuries, although Nico van Kerckhoven (cartilage) and Tomasz Waldoch (calf) remain sidelined.
