Juventus Lifted By Imminent Salas Return
Thursday 14th March 2002
Juventus have been handed an injury boost with the news that striker Marcelo Salas is set to return before the end of the season. "I am getting better so I will be able to play again next month," he said.
"I am getting better as expected, so surely I will be able to play again next month," declared the Chile star on Thursday.
Salas has been sidelined since October with ligament damage that was expected to keep him out for the season.
But the striker revealed last month that the knee injury was recovering more quickly than expected and now he looks certain he will be back for the climax of the Serie A campaign, where Juve are fighting for the title with Roma and Inter.
Salas explained on Thursday that he will not participate in a match to raise money for struggling Chilean side Colo Colo, as he wants to remain in Turin to recuperate. "I know that Colo Colo are important but my priority is to stay in Italy and recover from my injury," said the former Lazio star.
"I'd prefer to stay with Juventus because I've got my mind focused on only getting rid of my injury."
The 27-year-old was stretched off against Bologna in his last appearance and was operated on in Rome in November by Lazio club doctor Andrea Campi. He should be in a position to rejoin his team-mates by the end of the month.
The news will come as a welcome boost to Juve coach Marcello Lippi, who lost Alessandro del Piero with an ankle knock for the Champions' League clash with Bayer Leverkusen earlier this week and saw his side dumped out of the competition.
With just Marcelo Zalayeta and Nicolas Amoruso in reserve, Lippi has been short of options to partner David Trezeguet, who has been playing despite having a knee injury.
Salas scored once in seven Serie A appearances for Juventus after the summer move in a swap-deal involving Darko Kovacevic. Lazio also received �8 million.
