Stam sidelined for semi-final
Friday, April 4, 2003
Article summary
S.S. Lazio will be without Dutch defender Jaap Stam for both legs of the UEFA Cup semi-final against FC Porto.
Article body
S.S. Lazio have suffered a major blow after losing defender Jaap Stam for both legs of their UEFA Cup semi-final tie with FC Porto.
Thigh injury
The Dutch international suffered a thigh injury in his country's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Moldova on Wednesday. Stam limped off in the 62nd minute of the 2-1 victory and a scan today has revealed the full extent of his injury. The 31-year-old is not expected to return to action until May.
Second season
Stam will miss both legs of the UEFA Cup semi-final against Porto, which take place on 10 April in Porto and 24 April in Rome. The defender is in his second season at the Olimpico stadium since joining from Manchester United FC in 2001.
Riding high
His absence will also be felt in Lazio's bid to secure a UEFA Champions League spot for next season. Lazio are fourth in Serie A, three points ahead of AC Parma in the fight for the last place in next season's edition of Europe's premier club competition. Roberto Mancini's side face Como Calcio on Sunday.
