Kluivert causes Barcelona concern
Friday, January 30, 2004
Article summary
FC Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert has picked up a knee injury and could be missing for three weeks.
Article body
Patrick Kluivert could struggle to be fit for FC Barcelona's UEFA Cup third-round meeting with Brøndby IF after picking up a knee injury in Thursday's Copa del Rey match with Real Zaragoza.
Swollen joint
The Dutch striker suffered a blow to his left knee and was forced to leave the field after 51 minutes of Barcelona's 1-1 draw, a result that saw the Catalan club exit the competition as 2-1 losers on aggregate. Barcelona team doctor Jordi Ardèvol explained that Kluivert has swelling inside the knee and although the injury is not severe, it is causing a great deal of pain.
Third loss
Kluivert is expected back in two to three weeks but any delay would leave him doubtful for the first leg against Brøndby on 27 February. He becomes the latest short-term problem for coach Frank Rijkaard, who has already lost Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho and Argentinian forward Javier Saviola to injuries.