Pinola blow softened by Galásek deal
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Article summary
1. FC Nürnberg's Javier Pinola has been ruled out until the end of the year with a broken shin, on a day that captain Tomáš Galásek signed a new contract.
Article body
UEFA Cup contenders 1. FC Nürnberg have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Javier Pínola has been ruled out until the end of the year with a broken shin.
Pínola injury
The 24-year-old Argentinian, who has been capped once, is to undergo surgery after sustaining the injury during the second half of Nürnberg's 2-1 Bundesliga defeat by Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Wednesday. "He will be out until at least Christmas," said coach Hans Meyer, which means Pínola will miss his side's UEFA Cup first round second leg match away to FC Rapid Bucureşti on 4 October.
Galásek extension
Nürnberg go into the match on level terms after a 0-0 draw in Germany but recieved a lift ahead of the game with captain Tomáš Galásek extending his contract until summer 2009. The 34-year-old Czech international's deal was due to expire at the end of this season. "It is a nice sign that he has chosen to stay with us," said Nürnberg sporting director Martin Bader. The former AFC Ajax player has a clause in his contract meaning should the 2007 German Cup winners be relegated, he would be free to leave.