Darcheville despair hits Bordeaux

FC Girondins de Bordeaux striker Jean-Claude Darcheville has lost his battle to be fit for next week's UEFA Cup visit of CA Osasuna.

Fractured tibia
The 31-year-old suffered a leg injury in a collison with goalkeeper Rémy Vercoutre early in the 2-1 defeat of Olympique Lyonnais on 24 January. He had hoped to be back in time for the European contest but further scans have revealed a fractured tibia that will keep him out for another three weeks. "There is no need to put him in plaster," said Bordeaux's medical staff. "But he will need rest."

Sorely missed
Bordeaux welcome Osasuna to the Stade Chaban-Delmas a week tomorrow with the return leg scheduled for 22 February. Darcheville will be sorely missed as he has scored six goals in 17 league games this season, as well as one in the UEFA Champions League before Bordeaux bowed out at the group stage. Darcheville will hope to return for the Round of 16, should Bordeaux progress to a tie with either Rangers FC or Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC.