Salzburg shorn of Alan for Group F campaign
Monday, August 29, 2011
Article summary
A scorer of six goals in qualifying, FC Salzburg forward Alan has been sidelined for up to six months after damaging ligaments in his right knee in Austrian Bundesliga action.
Article top media content
Article body
FC Salzburg have been dealt a blow with the news that Alan will miss the UEFA Europa League group stage with a knee injury.
The striker collapsed while chasing down possession during Sunday's goalless draw at home to SK Rapid Wien in the Austrian Bundesliga. Tests today have shown that the 22-year-old Brazilian suffered cruciate ligament damage to his right knee. He is expected to be sidelined for up to six months.
Former Fluminense FC forward Alan, whose six goals in five qualifying appearances were vital to Salzburg reaching the group stage, will have surgery in the coming days. "If you live for football day and night and then something like this happens, everything stands still," said Salzburg coach Ricardo Moniz. "We will not sign someone to replace him, but rather look for someone already at the club."
Salzburg are in UEFA Europa League Group F with Paris Saint-Germain FC, Athletic Club and ŠK Slovan Bratislava.
