Slovenia's Pecnik ruled out of World Cup
Reuters - Sunday 20 June 2010, 16:26
JOHANNESBURG - Slovenia forward Nejc
Pecnik is out of the World Cup after breaking his ankle in
Friday's 2-2 draw with the United States, the team doctor said.
Pecnik came on as a second half substitute and was carried
off on a stretcher in injury time after a collision with an
opponent in the Group C match at Ellis Park.
"Pecnik was taken to hospital immediately and the scan
revealed a fractured ankle and ligament damage, meaning that he
will return to Slovenia as quickly as possible," Matjaz Vogrin
told the Slovenian Football Association website.
"After additional scans, a decision will be made whether he
needs to unedrgo surgery or not," he added.
Defender Marko Suler is also doubtful for Wednesday's match
with England in Port Elizabeth after bruising his ribs in a
physical battle with U.S. striker Jozy Altidore.
"Suler landed awkwardly on his chest following one of many
duels with Altidore but fortunately he has not fractured
anything," said the team's technical manager Bostjan Gasser.
Coach Matjaz Kek is again likely to use a 4-4-2 formation
with Milivoje Novakovic and Zlatan Ljubijankic up front, with
Valter Birsa and Andraz Kirm on either flank against England.
Slovenia, who are top of the group with four points, are
looking to reach the second round in their third major
tournament as an independent nation, having failed to win a
match in early exits at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.
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