Meerdink missing for Alkmaar
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Article summary
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Martijn Meerdink will miss the rest of 2004 including the club's final group game.
Article body
Point needed
The 28-year-old strained ligaments in his right ankle after opening the scoring in the 5-0 defeat of FC Twente. Meerdink was substituted in the 20th minute as Alkmaar went on to record their 12th successive home victory ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Cup trip to Grazer AK. Co Adriaanse's side need just a point in Austria to enter Friday's knockout draw as the winners of Group F.
Rodríguez banished
As well as missing Meerdink until after the winter break, Adriaanse will not call on the services of José Fortes Rodríguez. The Spanish defender has been told he is out of the first-team picture for the foreseeable future after taking umbrage with the coach's decision to omit him for the match against Twente. The 32-year-old refused to watch from the stands.
