Tomasson misses final reckoning

AC Milan will be without Jon Dahl Tomasson for the UEFA Champions League final after the striker underwent surgery on a shoulder injury.

Two-month lay-off
The Danish international will be out of action for at least two months with torn shoulder ligaments having fallen awkwardly in Milan's 4-1 victory against AS Roma in the Coppa Italia final first leg on Tuesday. "The time necessary before he starts training again will be two to three months," said a spokesman for the Italian side.

Significant games
In addition to the Champions League final against Juventus FC at Old Trafford on 28 May, Tomasson will also miss the second leg of the Coppa Italia final and also Denmark's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying games against Norway on 7 June and Luxembourg four days later

Olsen concerned
"Jon is difficult to replace, it's really a setback," said Denmark coach Morten Olsen ahead of the potentially decisive game with Group 2 leaders Norway. "We don't have that many strikers, especially for the centre, so it's possible we may name another player. Jon has been a vital part in the games we have won, so he will be very hard to replace."

Hard to take
The player was equally downcast at the news. "I'm totally down thinking of all the exciting games I'll miss now," he said. "It's terrible, but I'll definitely be at the Parken to follow the Danish team. It's a deciding game in our group and I hope we will win. I think we deserve it but of course it's going be hard to watch the game from the stands."