Pizarro targets opening day
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Article summary
Claudio Pizarro is aiming to be fit for the start of the UEFA Champions League group stage after surgery.
Article body
Claudio Pizarro is targeting a return to first-team action in time for FC Bayern Munchen's entry into this year's UEFA Champions League.
Fractured skull
The Peru striker has left hospital in Munich with a ten-centimetre scar on his head after surgery on a fractured skull. The 25-year-old was hurt just under two weeks ago in a Copa América match against Venezuela. Pizarro will definitely miss his club's first three Bundesliga matches, with club doctors ordering the player to protect the injury.
No heading
"I am fine and I don't have any pain," Pizarro said. "But I was told not to head the ball before September. I have to take it easy now until I am well again. Then I will play." Pizarro will continue on a special training programme featuring gym work and cycling before having further tests to check his progress. Bayern will start in the Champions League group stage when it starts in mid-September.
