Vassell suffers injury setback

City striker out for a fortnight with a knee injury

Last updated: 27th November 2007

vassell darius manchester city striker

Vassell: Out for two weeks

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Darius Vassell has joined Manchester City's list of injured strikers after picking up a knee problem.

Summer signing Valeri Bojinov has been a long-term absentee with a knee injury, while Rolando Bianchi sat out Saturday's win over Reading with an ankle complaint.

Emile Mpenza came off at half-time against Reading with a thigh injury, and Vassell has now been ruled out for two weeks.

The former England international also missed the weekend victory, although City boss Sven Goran Eriksson hopes it is not a serious problem.

Fortnight out

"Vassell was out with an injury. We sent him home after training on Friday," said Eriksson on the club's official website.

"He had a scan that day and he has a knee problem, which I don't think is a serious one, but I think he's out for a couple of weeks.

"As always, when you've got one injury in one part of the team, then a second and a third comes. Bianchi on Thursday, Vassell Friday and Mpenza on Saturday."

Belgian striker Mpenza was not risked in the second half, but with the club's striking options looking thin Eriksson received some good news about the forward - as well as Vedran Corluka and Elano.

Risk

"Emile came off at half-time, with a thigh problem, we had a lot of problems on Saturday," continued the Swede.

"Vedran Corluka had two very heavy games on very heavy pitches, so that's a risk too, but they came off the pitch early enough so not to do any further damage.

"Elano has had to do a lot of travelling again to get back (from South America) and it's always a risk when you are a little bit tired and not 100% match fit.

"But I talked to the doctor and physios and they think that maybe all will be available next weekend, but they are not sure at this stage."