Real facing striker crisis for Bayern Munich game
09/03/2004
Real facing striker crisis for Bayern Munich game
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MADRID, March 8 (Reuters) - Real Madrid could be without Raul as well as
Ronaldo for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich after the
Spanish international striker missed training again on Monday.
Real
have already been hit hard by a thigh strain suffered by Ronaldo on Saturday, an
injury that will keep him out for around two weeks.
The
bad news could be compounded by the absence of his fellow striker Raul, who
missed Saturday's 1-1 draw against Racing Santander because of a strained ankle
and was once again absent from training on Monday.
After
spending much of the morning working in the gym, Raul emerged for a 10-minute
work-out on the training pitch but was unable to join in the session with his
team mates.
The
club said they would wait until the day of the match before deciding on his
fitness.
With
Fernando Morientes on loan this season at Monaco, Real coach Carlos Queiroz has
just one back-up striker in Javier Portillo.
Midfielder Guti has played up front on occasion and could also be an option if
both Raul and Ronaldo are missing.
Real
drew 1-1 with Bayern in the opening leg of the first knockout round tie in
Munich two weeks ago.
Roberto Carlos will miss the return after receiving a two-match suspension from
UEFA for retaliation.