Larsson to miss Milan face-off, Ezquerro doubtful

Henrik Larsson has been confirmed to miss Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg against Italian giants AC Milan through injury, the club said on Saturday.

كتب : Omar Shoeb

السبت، 15 أبريل 2006 - 22:11
لارسون
Henrik Larsson has been confirmed to miss Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg against Italian giants AC Milan on Tuesday through injury, the club said on Saturday.

The Sweden international picked up a muscle injury during Barcelona’s victory over Villarreal in the Spanish league on Friday and walked out from the pitch only nine minutes after the starting whistle.

Striker Santi Ezquerro, who replaced the injured Larsson in their match against Villarreal, is also in doubt for the Champions League tie, that will take place at the San Siro, after picking up a knee injury in the 25th minute.

On the other, Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho was given the all-clear signal by the team doctors to return to the fields after missing Barca’s previous two matches through a mild injury.

Ronaldinho’s return comes as good news for Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard, whose team also witnesses the absence of Argentine striker Lionel Messi.

Barcelona are close on winning the La Liga title for the second consecutive year after their 1-0 victory over Villarreal, thanks to Samuel Eto’o’s striker from the edge of the area.