Mpenza loss hampers Hamburg
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Article summary
Belgium striker Emile Mpenza has been ruled out of Hamburger SV's UEFA Cup Group A tie against Viking FK on Thursday with an ankle injury.
Article body
Shin splints
The 27-year-old, who has been a key figure in the Bundesliga side's excellent start to the season, could be sidelined for over a week after suffering shin splints. He is certain to miss the home game against Viking and is also doubtful for Sunday's match at VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Jarolím suspended
The news is a blow to coach Thomas Doll, who is already without suspended midfielder David Jarolím on Thursday as Hamburg seek to build on their Matchday 1 victory at PFC CSKA Sofia. He is likely to draft either Naohiro Takahara or Benjamin Lauth into the starting XI.
