Lambert loss sets back Celtic
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Article summary
Celtic FC will be without captain Paul Lambert for their first two UEFA Champions League games as the midfield player has a bruised ankle bone.
Article body
Celtic FC captain Paul Lambert will miss the Scottish side's opening two UEFA Champions League games against FC Bayern München and Olympique Lyonnais after bruising a bone in his ankle.
Scotland doubt
The injury is likely to keep the 34-year-old midfield player on the sidelines for between four and six weeks, meaning he is also doubtful for Scotland's final qualifying match for UEFA EURO 2004™ at home to Lithuania on 11 October, a match Berti Vogts's side must win.
Injury absence
Lambert sustained the injury in a training session with Celtic two weeks ago, and was forced to miss Scotland's 3-1 qualifying victory against the Faroe Islands on 6 September. However, the Scottish captain did return for Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against Germany in Dortmund, but had to be substituted at half-time.
European experience
Lambert's loss is a significant blow to Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, whose side begin their European campaign in Munich on Wednesday night. An experienced player, Lambert was a key member of the BV Borussia Dortmund side who defeated Juventus FC 3-1 in the 1997 Champions League final.
