Pochettino blow for PSG
Friday, February 1, 2002
Article summary
Paris Saint-Germain FC have lost Mauricio Pochettino for three weeks with a knee injury.
Article body
Torn ligament
X-ray tests showed the 29-year-old defender, an almost certain member of Argentina's 2002 FIFA World Cup squad, had torn a ligament in his right knee.
Pochettino missing
The injury means Pochettino will miss PSG's Le Championnat matches against Montpellier Hérault, FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Olympique Lyonnais and their French Cup third-round clash with Olympique Marseille next weekend.
Impressive pedigree
Pochettino, rated as one of the finest ball-playing defenders in world football, joined PSG from RCD Espanyol in January 2001 and quickly became an integral member of the side. He also featured in the Argentinian side which reached the finals of the Copa America in 1999, but his current injury may put his participation in the World Cup finals in Korea/Japan in doubt.
European challenge
He will also be greatly missed by PSG as they strive to secure a place in European club competition next season. The Parisian side currently lie third in the French league table, two points behind second-placed Lyon and a further eight points adrift of league-leaders RC Lens. PSG's impressive form was confirmed earlier this week as they completed an impressive 5-0 victory against struggling FC Lorient.