Reiziger ends year on sidelines
Thursday, December 12, 2002
Article summary
FC Barcelona's Michael Reiziger is unlikely to return before February after suffering a muscle strain.
Article body
FC Barcelona's Michael Reiziger is unlikely to return before February after suffering a muscle strain during his club's UEFA Champions League victory against Newcastle United FC last night.
Six-week absence
The Dutch defender fractured the femoral biceps of his right leg, and is expected to be out for around six weeks, joining Patrik Andersson on the sidelines. He is set to miss the next six Primera División matches, but could return for the next Champions League fixture against Internazionale FC on 18 Feburary.
Cocu fit
Reiziger's compatriot and club-mate Philip Cocu was also taken off against Newcastle, but his ankle injury is not serious and he is expected to line up against Sevilla FC on Sunday.
Mixed form
Barcelona currently lie tenth in the Primera División, but their win against Newcastle meant they equalled a Champions League record with ten consecutive victories in the competition.
