Marseille hit by Bonnart blow

UEFA Cup hopefuls Olympique de Marseille will be without right-back Laurent Bonnart for the rest of the season after he suffered a ruptured thigh tendon during Thursday's 2-1 Round of 16 first-leg win over AFC Ajax.

Untimely blow
The news came shortly after OM gave themselves a narrow advantage over their Dutch rivals at the Stade Vélodrome, with the tie to be decided next Wednesday. Head doctor Christophe Beaudot confirmed the extent of the injury. "It will require a two-month rest," he said. The blow comes as Marseille chase glory on the both the domestic and European fronts. As well as being on course for the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, Les Minots also lie four points behind Ligue 1 pacesetters Olympique Lyonnais ahead of Sunday's high-profile trip to face second-placed Paris Saint-Germain FC in the captial. Bonnart, 29, joined Marseille two years ago and has contested more minutes than any other outfield player this season.