Barça must wait for Motta
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Article summary
FC Barcelona's Thiago Motta could be out for a month after an operation on his tonsils left him underweight.
Article body
FC Barcelona's Thiago Motta could spend the next month on the sidelines after an operation to remove his tonsils left him underweight.
Lost weight
Motta flew home to Brazil in August for what is generally considered to be a routine operation. However, he was left with a seriously inflamed mouth and was unable to eat solids. In two weeks, he lost eight kilograms in weight and is now fighting to regain his normal build and recover lost muscle tone.
UEFA Cup danger
Barcelona's medical staff estimate that the 21-year-old midfield player will be out of action for between two and four weeks, meaning he is not expected to be available for next week's UEFA Cup first-round first against ŠKM Púchov.
Recovery programme
In the meantime, the player's recovery programme will involve daily workouts at the club's gym together with a special diet of meat, fish and vegetables.
