Post subject: Lucio rated doubtful for Nuremberg clash
24.08.2006
Coach Felix Magath received good news and bad news at training on Thursday afternoon. The good news was Owen Hargreaves' return to the squad programme following a bout of flu. The England midfielder appears a certain starter in Saturday's home meeting with Nuremberg.
However, the bad news quickly followed when Lucio broke off the session with an ankle problem. The Brazil centre-half is now rated doubtful for the top-of-the-table clash. "I'm still hopeful he could be fit," Magath observed. Lucio only rejoined the squad a day previously after being laid low with a flu virus similar to that afflicting Hargreaves.
Big game of the weekend
Otherwise, Magath and his men approach the 174th all-Bavarian derby with no new injury concerns. The only men definitely ruled out are long-term casualties Sebastian Deisler, Andreas Görlitz, Valerien Ismaël and Christian Lell.
Nuremberg are also likely to be at full strength for their trip to the Bavarian capital, with injured striker Robert Vittek the only confirmed absentee. Magath is expecting a festival of football on Saturday afternoon: "I think the Allianz Arena will be the place to be for the biggest match of the weekend."
