Latvia lose Pahars
Thursday, January 9, 2003
Article summary
An ankle operation will rule Marian Pahars out Latvia's friendly against Lithuania next month.
Article body
Striker Marian Pahars will undergo an ankle operation today which will rule him out Latvia's friendly international against Lithuania on 12 February in Turkey.
Lengthy lay-off
The Southampton FC player faces a minimum of six weeks on the sidelines after spending Christmas in plaster in an attempt to heal the injury through rest. The 26-year-old has not played since 20 November, when Latvia beat San Marino 1-0 in a qualifying match for UEFA EURO 2004™.
Top of the table
The victory was the latest in a series of fine results which have left Latvia at the top of Group 4 after three matches. The friendly against Lithuania was arranged as part of both countries' preparations for the resumption of the qualifying competition, with Latvia next facing the Sammarinese at home on 30 April.
In-form Southampton
Pahars missed the whole of the pre-season following a hernia operation and a series of minor knocks, coupled with his latest injury, have restricted him to just 13 appearances and one goal this term. Southampton have coped admirably without their diminutive striker, climbing to sixth in the Premiership and winning through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
