Achilles agony for Porto skipper

FC Porto have suffered a major blow to their season's ambitions after captain Pedro Emanuel was sidelined for a prolonged period by a ruptured achilles tendon.

Operation 'a success'
The defender damaged his left achilles while warming up for Porto's friendly against Manchester City FC on Saturday. According to the Portuguese champions, he underwent surgery on Sunday which "was a success" and the 31-year-old "will leave hospital today". Porto won the game in Manchester 1-0. Reports suggest Pedro Emanuel will be out of action for several months at least. Porto are still to announce a full-time successor to Dutch coach Co Adriaanse who resigned last week, with Rui Barros taking charge as caretaker.