Veron in fitness fight for Estudiantes
Reuters - Friday 26 June 2009, 16:54
BUENOS AIRES - Estudiantes' chances of
reaching the Libertadores Cup final hang in no small measure on
Juan Sebastian Veron's fitness following their narrow 1-0 home
win over Nacional in the first leg.
Veron's astuteness brought Estudiantes their early goal,
scored by Diego Galvan, at La Plata on Thursday night, but the
playmaker was replaced at half-time suffering from a niggling
right thigh muscle problem.
"I don't know what the heck is the problem," an irritated
Veron told reporters in La Plata on Friday after treatment from
the club's medical staff amid worries he might not make it to
next Wednesday's return leg in Montevideo.
The Argentine side, winners of the trophy three years in
succession from 1968 to 1970 with Veron's father Juan Ramon as
their outstanding player, also have injury worries in defence.
Estudiantes, shorn of three defenders through injury, were
allowed to draft central defender Rolando Schiavi of Newell's
Old Boys, who signed a deal for $100,000 to play up to four
matches for them if they reach the two-leg final.
The experienced 36-year-old, winner of the trophy with Boca
Juniors in 2003, had a good match on Thursday despite only one
practice with Estudiantes, and was close to scoring at a corner.
However, left back Cristian Cellay, passed fit at the last
minute on Thursday, is doubtful again after suffering a knock
and being substituted in the second half.
"We're having quite a few setbacks in this Libertadores
Cup," said coach Alex Sabella, who played for Sheffield United
and Leeds United 30 years ago.
He said none of Thursday's injuries was very serious but
"the bad part is that there are only six days to the return".
Nacional, who lost their unbeaten record in the tournament,
are optimistic that they can overcome Estudiantes and reach
their seventh final in search of a fourth title.
"No one came here (to La Plata) to lose, but we knew we were
playing very difficult rivals. In any case, I think the tie is
open," the Uruguayan team's goalkeeper Rodrigo Munoz, told
reporters.
"I'm confident we'll turn it around at home," added Munoz,
who in the 89th minute stuck out a foot to prevent a second
Estudiantes goal, a save coach Gerardo Pelusso said "smelt of
qualification."