SPORTS

Real facing striker crisis

March 08, 2004 21:04 IST

Real Madrid could be without Raul as well as Ronaldo for Wednesday's UEFA 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 leg after receiving a two-match suspension from UEFA for retaliation.

Source: REUTERS
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