Van der Weerden injury blow
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Article summary
News round-up: Germinal Beerschot defender Chris Van der Weerden has been sidelined for six months.
Article body
KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen defender Chris Van der Weerden has been sidelined for six months after tearing a knee ligament against FC Brussels at the weekend. The 31-year-old, who only joined the Belgian club from Dutch side FC Twente during the summer, is now reflecting on the prospect of missing much of the season. "It appears the season is already over for me," said the former PSV Einhoven player.
Elsewhere in Belgium, Brussels have signed Laurent Wuillot for the remainder of the season. The 29-year-old centre-back has joined on a free transfer, after his contract with French club AC Ajaccio ran out during the summer. The former R. Charleroi SC and R. Standard de Liège defender will provide some much needed experience as the Eerste Klasse newcomers attempt to retain their top-flight status.
Vitória SC
Manchester City FC, who gained a 7-1 English League Cup win against Barnsley FC last night, had more to celebrate today when midfield player Joey Barton agreed a new three-year deal. The 22-year-old's current contract had been due to expire at the end of this season, but the City youth product said: "There was no decision to make. If I can stay in the team and enjoy it I will stay here for the rest of my career."
Scottish striker Robert Linn has had a less enjoyable 24 hours, after Dundee FC terminated his contract when he failed to turn up for a training session. The 18-year-old was banished to the reserves for two months last season following a similar indiscretion, but manager Jim Duffy decided to take more drastic action when Linn failed to appear for training before last night's 2-1 defeat by Livingston FC in the Scottish League Cup.
Finally, Argentinian striking legend Omar Sivori has been rushed to hospital with a stomach illness. The 68-year-old, who formed a memorable attacking partnership with Wales's John Charles at Juventus FC during the late 1950s and early 1960s, was hospitalised after suffering an inflammation of the pancreas. Sivori was European Footballer of the Year in 1961 and represented both Argentina and his adopted country, Italy.
