Puyol challenge sidelines Motta
Monday, December 15, 2003
Article summary
FC Barcelona's Thiago Motta will be out for six weeks after a training ground tackle left him with torn ligaments.
Article body
FC Barcelona midfield player Thiago Motta will be unavailable for at least six weeks after tearing ligaments during a training session yesterday.
Heavy challenge
The squad were in for some light training following Saturday's 3-1 derby victory against RCD Espanyol, but the session ended with Motta being taken to a local medical centre for tests following a heavy challenge from defender Carles Puyol. The head of Barça's medical staff, Lluís Til, estimates that the 21-year-old Brazilian will be back playing before the end of January.
Christmas break
Barcelona end 2003 with a home game against RC Celta de Vigo next Sunday and resume after the Christmas break with a 4 January fixture against Real Racing Club Santander. The Catalan club's UEFA Cup campaign resumes on 26 February with a third-round tie against Brøndby IF in Denmark.
