Motta misfortune hits Barça
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Article summary
FC Barcelona's Thiago Motta could be sidelined for at least six months after twisting his knee.
Article body
Midfield player Thiago Motta could be sidelined for at least six months after twisting his knee during FC Barcelona's 2-0 win against Sevilla FC last night.
Ligament damage
The Brazil-born 22-year-old was carried off just three minutes into Barça's second Primera División game of the new season after turning awkwardly on a rain-sodden pitch at the Camp Nou. "He's ruptured both his anterior cruciate ligament and the lateral ligament in his left knee," said club doctor Jordi Ardevol. Motta will undergo surgery once the swelling has gone down.
Fitness race
However, Barça coach Frank Rijkaard did receive some good news with confirmation that defender Carles Puyol should be fit for the Spanish side's UEFA Champions League tie against Celtic FC in Glasgow on Tuesday. Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, who missed the Sevilla match with an ankle problem, should also be available for the game against the Scottish Premier League champions.
