23.01.2009, 01:49
Injuries worry Portland

The Spanish team lost a key player to injury, but they are looking for possibilities to reinforce the roster.

Injuries worry Portland

The men’s teams, just as the women’s, prepare for the Main Round of the Champions League. The only difference is that majority of the top players are currently busy with the World Championship in Croatia.

The Spanish Portland received very bad news from the tournament: Ivan Nikcevic will not play again this season. The Serbian suffered a serious injury on his left foot and he will be out for six months. Nikcevic was injured at the game between Serbia and Denmark.

This is the second terrible injury for a Portland player this season. Davor Dominikovic opened broken his knee earlier.

In addition to these troubles, Svensson, Jakobsen and Urdiales are not 100% at the moment, and coach Chechu Villaldea is also worried for Cristian Malmagro who had to leave the Spanish team because of back problems.

Portland are trying to sign new players over the winter, which is not easy. The economic situation is complicated in Spain. However, this injury and the problems of Urdiales create a difficult situation on the left wing.

The Spanish club has a young player, Crownley, on loan in Almeria and they will try to get him back to substitute Ivan Nikcevic.

The Serbian was one of the best players of Villaldea and the Spanish coach is understandably unhappy. Nikcevic arrived to Pamplona last summer and he suffered two injuries within six months...

Laen coming?

According to the latest rumours, Danish international Torsten Laen might not renew his contract with Ciudad Real at the end of the season.

Laen is a key target for teams in need of a pivot. The Danish confirmed the interest of two clubs: the German Fuchse Berlin and Portland San Antonio.

Laen talked to Tv2.dk and said:

“It is true that I talked with Portland San Antonio, but I’m actually focused on the World Championship now and not on my next season”.

Laen is 29 and he has been an important player for Ciudad replacing the injured Urios Fonseca.

Laen confirmed that he would like to play near Denmark because his girlfriend is working there. On the other hand, Portland are looking for a pivot as Juancho Perez will leave the team at the end of the season.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goni