China midfielder Pu Wei doubtful for Russia showdown
( 2003-09-28 09:29) (Xinhua)
China midfielder Pu Wei might miss out Sunday's Group D showdown with Russia
due to a right foot injury, team spokesman Dong Hua said Saturday in
Portland, US.
China's Wang
Liping (L) goes up to head a ball against Australia's Danielle Small
during their Women's World Cup match at the Home Depot Center in Los
Angeles, California, September 25, 2003.
[Reuters] | Pu, 23, who has scored 20 times for
her country in 68 appearances, sustained the injury in their 1-1 draw with
Australia.
"We are not sure whether Pu can play in the next match," Dong said. "The team
physician will assess her fitness late on Saturday. "
China's midfield has already been without Pan Lina, who was forced out of the
World Cup with a knee injury suffered in their first group match with Ghana.
FIFA Event Manager Rhiannon Collins has confirmed that Pan cannot be replaced
by another player during the match.
"I can tell you that no team will be allowed to replace players at this
stage," said Collins.
"According to Article 23, Section 11 of FIFA's USA 2003 regulations, any team
that wishes to replace a player must apply at least 24 hours before the start of
the first game."
Rumors that Xiao Zhen may replace Pan Lina circulating in the Chinese media
are therefore unfounded, Collins said.
|
