Host hopes hit by Chazal injury
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Article summary
France have suffered a blow to their UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship hopes after key defender Astrid Chazal was ruled out through injury.
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Ligament damage
The RC Saint-Etienne left-back was stretchered off after picking up a knee injury in the 32nd minute of France's opening Group A match against Spain in Blois on Monday. She was taken to the hospital on Tuesday where a scan confirmed that the 18-year-old had sustained anterior ligament damage in her left knee and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Brocheray chance
Jennifer Brocheray took Chazal's place on the left side of defence against Spain and performed well as Les Bleuettes secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to Julie Machart's 59th-minute goal. Brocheray is expected to keep her place for Thursday's game against Italy, although France coach Stéphane Pilard will have further options after being granted permission to call up another player to take Chazal's place in the squad.
