Pellegrino problem for Valencia
Monday, September 22, 2003
Article summary
Valencia CF have lost defender Mauricio Pellegrino for up to six weeks with a dislocated shoulder.
Article body
Dislocated shoulder
The 31-year-old centre-back dislocated his right shoulder after a heavy challenge from compatriot Diego Rivas during Valencia's 3-0 win at Club Atlético de Madrid on Saturday night. It is the fourth time Pellegrino has suffered a dislocated shoulder in his career, the most recent occasion coming in a league match against Club Atlético Osasuna in March 2002.
Ayala absence
Club doctor Jorge Candel today estimated a lay-off of between five and six weeks for the player and his absence from central defence will hamper coach Rafael Benítez's preparations for Wednesday's UEFA Cup first-round first leg against AIK Solna in Stockholm. Benítez is already without Roberto Ayala, who has yet to feature this season because of a thigh problem.