Mezague recovering after crash
Monday, August 4, 2003
Article summary
News round-up: Montpellier Hérault SC's Valéry Mezague has undergone surgery after a car accident.
Article body
Brain surgery
The Cameroon international's car span off the road from Marseille to Montpellier last Wednesday night. After 24 hours in a coma and brain surgery, he woke up at the weekend and although unable to speak, he is able to recognise individuals. However, it is unclear whether the 19-year-old will be able to resume his career. "All the squad are in shock," coach Gerard Bernardet said.
Djukic moves on
Valencia CF's out-of-contract defender Miroslav Djukic has joined Spanish second division side CD Tenerife. The 37-year-old former Yugoslavian international has agreed a one-year deal with an option to extend it in the event of promotion. The move ends 12 consecutive seasons in the Primera División for Djukic, six with RC Deportivo La Coruña and the same number with Valencia. In 2001 he beat Hugo Sánchez's top-flight appearance record for a foreign player, a total which now stands at 369.
Birmingham loan
English Premiership side Birmingham City FC have signed Fulham FC goalkeeper Maik Taylor on a year's loan. With Nico Vaesen injured, Ian Bennett was the club's only fit senior custodian, and Northern Irish international Taylor could now start the season as first choice at Saint Andrews. Another player on the move is defender Alan Wright, who has joined Middlesbrough FC on a one-year deal after being released by Birmingham's local rivals Aston Villa FC.
Jones injured
Leicester City FC, newly promoted to the Premiership, will be without midfield player Matthew Jones for at least four months after the Welsh international was diagnosed with a back problem. Jones has been told by a specialist that he has a disc injury.
Heikkinen on the move
Finally, Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen FC have made HJK Helsinki's Finnish international midfield player Markus Heikkinen their fourth summer signing. Heikkinen 24, has agreed a two-year contract and follows Michael Bird, Jamie McQuilken and Scott Booth to Pittodrie. Australian forward David Zdrilic will join them provided he is granted a work permit.
