Genk suffer Engelaar setback
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Article summary
Attacking midfield player Orlando Engelaar has joined a growing list of absentees as Belgium's KRC Genk prepare to face FHK Liepajas Metalurgs.
Article body
Injury-ravaged squad
The 26-year-old Dutchman will undergo exploratory surgery on a knee injury and misses both the UEFA Cup encounter and this weekend's Belgian league match against RSC Anderlecht. His lay-off is the latest in a succession of injuries to hit the club in recent weeks, with new signings Gonzague Vandooren, Sunday Oliseh and Bob Peeters all sidelined.
Narrow advantage
Coach Hugo Broos has also lost the services of Denmark full-back Brian Priske, who joined English side Portsmouth FC yesterday, while defender Gert Claessens is a long-term absentee. Without them, Genk will look to defend the 3-2 lead they earned in Latvia a fortnight ago as they pursue a place in Friday's draw for the UEFA Cup first round.