Costa absence forces Pellegrino to ponder
Saturday, September 29, 2012
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With Valencia CF defender Adil Rami suspended for Tuesday's Group F fixture against LOSC Lille, news of an injury to centre-back Ricardo Costa adds to Mauricio Pellegrino's problems.
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Valencia CF coach Mauricio Pellegrino faces a defensive dilemma ahead of Tuesday's visit of LOSC Lille after Ricardo Costa became the latest player to be ruled out of the UEFA Champions League Group F game.
The centre-back left the club's training ground on Thursday using crutches after feeling a sharp pain in his right calf, an injury which was later diagnosed as a muscle tear.
Costa started Valencia's 2-1 matchday one defeat by FC Bayern München alongside Adil Rami, who is suspended for the Lille game having been sent off in Germany. Meanwhile, midfielder David Albelda (hamstring) and Pablo Piatti (broken arm) continue to nurse their respective injuries.
A brighter note for the 2000 and 2001 finalists was the return to action of Fernando Gago for Saturday's 2-0 Liga victory at home to Real Zaragoza. The former Real Madrid CF and AS Roma midfielder had been absent since suffering a blow to the head during Argentina's 1-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw in Peru on 11 September.
