PSG lose key midfield man
Friday, September 27, 2002
Article summary
Paris Saint-Germain FC's Hugo Leal has been ruled out for a month due to a knee ligament strain.
Article body
Hugo Leal will miss the second leg of Paris Saint-Germain FC's UEFA Cup first-round tie against Újpesti TE after being ruled out for a month with a recurrence of his knee strain.
Ligament injury
The Portuguese midfield player was taken off 84 minutes into PSG's 3-0 home victory, less than 30 minutes after being brought on, following a tackle from Újpesti substitute Tamás Móri. Subsequent examination has found that Leal strained a ligament in his left knee, on which he underwent surgery six months ago.
Return in one month
No operation will be required this time, but the injury will keep the former Portuguese Under-21 international out of the return in Hungary and PSG's forthcoming Ligue 1 fixtures, but he may return for the first leg of the UEFA second round on 31 October, should his club progress.
Nyarko blow
"Hugo Leal will play again in one month," confirmed PSG medical officer Hakim Chalaby. PSG are already without Ghanaian midfield player Alex Nyarko due to a wrist fracture. The club are sixth in Ligue 1.
