César ruled out for Deportivo
Monday, May 5, 2003
Article summary
RC Deportivo La Coruña have lost defender César Martín for the rest of the season through injury.
Article body
Out of action
Centre-back César tore a calf muscle during the second half of the match at the Riazor stadium and had to be substituted on 56 minutes. He will miss Deportivo's last six games of the league campaign.
International call
César's absence will be a blow to Deportivo's hopes of claiming the title they won in 2000. The 26-year-old had formed a strong central defensive partnership with the veteran Nourredine Naybet, making 22 league appearances including two as a substitute, and had returned to the Spain team for the recent friendly win against Ecuador.
Title chase
Deportivo's victory against Recreativo moved Javier Irureta's side to within a point of Primera División leaders Real Madrid CF. The Galician club are currently second in the table above Real Sociedad on goal difference.
