Afellay absent for PSV-Fiorentina
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Article summary
Ibrahim Afellay has been ruled out of PSV Eindhoven's quarter-final second leg against ACF Fiorentina because of an ankle injury sustained in recent Eredivisie action.
Article top media content
Article body
Ibrahim Afellay has been ruled out of PSV Eindhoven's UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg against ACF Fiorentina on Thursday because of an ankle injury sustained during the weekend Eredivisie win over Heracles Almelo.
Taking no chances
The Dutch international midfielder was injured in a challenge with Heracles captain Rob Maas and, following hospital tests today, it has been decided not to risk him against Fiorentina. The exact nature of the problem will only be known after further examinations, although Afellay said he felt "immediately that something was wrong" when the injury struck. The 22-year-old's absence is another setback for the Dutch title-holders ahead of the Italian side's visit, with striker Jefferson Farfán also serving a one-match suspension. The first game in Florence finished in a 1-1 draw on 3 April, with Danny Koevermans scoring the away goal.