Elano sidelined after Euro clash injury
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Thursday, 04 December 2008
Manchester City winger Elano is set to be sidelined for at least two weeks after the Brazilian limped out of his team's goalless UEFA Cup draw against Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday night.
Elano suffered a groin strain two minutes into the second half at Eastlands on Wednesday and City boss Mark Hughes fears the worst.
"We will check him out. With those kind of strains it is a minimum of two weeks, possibly longer," Hughes said.
"But we hope he has not compromised himself too much with the injury. It is a blow to us because obviously we are a little bit light in midfield. We cannot afford to lose too many bodies there."
The point gained means City will finish at least second in the group, having already qualified for the last 32 before the match.
However, they could have put the game to bed in the first quarter but Daniel Sturridge and Darius Vassell both squandered good opportunities.
Hughes said: "We had half-chances to get on the scoresheet but it was a frustrating night.
"We have performed better in other games. However, this is a new experience for us. European games are a different test and a different problem we have to solve.
"We will be the better for the experience of going up against a good European side like PSG. It is important for our development.
"PSG defended well and played on the counter attack. We were a bit over-commited in trying to get the winning goal. That was the only time they looked a danger."
Jo was handed a rare start up front but failed to impress and Hughes said: "It was a little bit difficult for him along with many others. There was not much space for him to operate because of the way PSG set up their side.
"He stuck at it. He is a young player and he needs more experience playing with the team, which he will get."
PSG head coach Paul Le Guen was disappointed that his side had failed to achieve the victory he felt they deserved.
He said: "We were a little bit over-awed at the start as we all know City are a good side.
"But in the second half we played much better and we had a lot of chances to win the match.
"It is a concern we did not take them and that means 180 minutes without a goal after our defeat by Rennes."
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