Makukula suffers injury heartache
Friday, February 6, 2004
Article summary
Real Valladolid CF striker Aziza Makukula is out for the rest of the season after tearing knee ligaments.
Article body
Bitter blow
The 22-year-old was thought to have just strained knee ligaments in Real Valladolid CF's 3-2 league victory against Málaga CF on 25 January. However, the injury has proved more serious than first thought and the player has in fact suffered a torn ligament in his right knee.
Hopes dashed
Club doctors have said he will need at least six months to recover, ending any hopes of making Portugal's squad for this summer's finals. Makukula has been on a season-long loan to Valladolid from French club FC Nantes Atlantique and has proved a sensation, scoring eight goals in 18 league games.
U21 involvement
The Kinshasa-born player, who chose not to represent DR Congo, has reportedly caught the eye of Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Although yet to play for the full national team, he has appeared for the Under-21 side and helped them to qualify for the forthcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Germany.
