Africa

Karim Ziani A Doubt For Algeria

It has been revealed that the Marseille man might have to miss out on his country’s clash through injury...

May 31, 2009 12:23:01 AM

Karim Ziani of Olympique Marseille (www.omnet.fr)

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Karim Ziani of Olympique Marseille (www.omnet.fr)

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The Algerian national team’s chances of winning their World Cup qualifier against continental champions Egypt in Blida on June 7 have been dealt a huge blow, as it is appears unlikely that Karim Ziani will be able to participate in the match.

The midfielder felt a pain in his abdomen following a midweek training session with his club side, Olympique de Marseille. Precautionary scans were performed as the pains were in the same region that required him to undergo surgery this season, and sadly a partial tear was revealed in his adductor.

“What can I say? It was written. I didn’t expect this but these things happen. Tomorrow versus Rennes I won’t be able to play since I already missed today’s training but I’m going to do everything I can to be ready to play against Egypt because it is out of the question that I miss the match. I’m ready to play against them with one leg,” said a frustrated Ziani in an interview with Le Buteur magazine.

Despite his strong words, Marseille officials fear that rushing back to player could lead to an aggravation of the injury and a need for further surgery.

Ziani is still going to report to Algeria’s training camp and the team’s medical staff will do all in their capacity to have him fit to face the Pharaohs in the eagerly awaited Arab derby.

Rami Ayari, Goal.com