Double despair for Barcelona
Monday, October 24, 2005
Article summary
FC Barcelona will be without playmaker Deco and defender Juliano Belletti for the visit of Panathinaikos FC on Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League.
Article body
Belletti worry
While that duo will definitely be missing at Camp Nou when Panathinaikos arrive on 2 November, Belletti is also likely to sit out the Matchday 5 home game against Werder Bremen. The Brazilian right-back was substituted in the 21st minute of the Osasuna tie after taking a blow to his right knee. A scan today detected a slight tear meaning Belletti could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Deco surgery
Deco, meanwhile, was replaced 16 minutes after his team-mate with a groin problem and faces a three-week lay-off. The Portugal playmaker will take advantage of his time-out to remedy a less serious injury - undergoing surgery this afternoon on a finger he fractured in the 0-0 draw at Panathinaikos last week.