Zürich dealt double blow
Monday, September 28, 2009
Article summary
FC Zürich will be without Eric Hassli for up to six months after the forward fractured his shin in training, while last season's top scorer Almen Abdi has decided not to renew his contract and willl leave in the summer.
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FC Zürich forward Eric Hassli has been ruled out for the rest of the UEFA Champions League group stage after fracturing his shin in training.
Injury
The 28-year-old Frenchman suffered the injury to his left leg on Saturday as his side prepared for the following evening's Swiss Super League visit of Neuchâtel Xamax FC, which they lost 2-1. Hassli, who scored 17 goals to help Zürich to last season's Swiss title, immediately underwent surgery and is not expected to return until March.
Abdi to go
Zürich also announced on Monday that playmaker Almen Abdi will leave the club at the end of the season after deciding not to extend his contract which expires next summer. The 22-year-old Swiss international, who is reportedly set to join Udinese Calcio, was Zürich's top scorer last season with 19 goals. Zürich visit AC Milan in their second UEFA Champions League Group C game on Wednesday, having lost 5-2 to home to Real Madrid CF on Matchday 1, a game both players featured in.