Shoulder injury spells trouble for Viera
Monday, October 31, 2005
Article summary
Villarreal CF goalkeeper Sebastián Viera is "highly unlikely" to face SL Benfica in UEFA Champions League Group D on Wednesday according to his coach.
Article body
Stand-in Barbosa
The 22-year-old Uruguayan was forced out of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Club Atlético de Madrid on 30 minutes after damaging his left shoulder. His understudy Mariano Barbosa deputised impressively, keeping Atlético at bay for an hour.
'Nothing too serious'
Pellegrini indicated that, while the injury was not serious, Viera has little chance of playing in Lisbon. "He took a heavy blow to the shoulder, we have conducted scans and fortunately it's nothing too serious," said the Villarreal coach. "But it is looking highly unlikely that he will bounce back in time for Wednesday."
Three draws
Villarreal are third in Group D behind Manchester United FC and Benfica after drawing all three of their group stage matches, but could go top with a win in Portugal. Benfica's visit to El Madrigal on 18 October ended in a 1-1 draw.