Fcbayern - Ali Karimi could have enjoyed one
of the best afternoons of his eight-month old Bayern career on Saturday: the
Iranian came on as a half-time substitute against Hamburg, clocking up a
25th competitive appearance in a Red shirt (20 in the Bundesliga, three in
the Champions League and two in the German Cup).
That in turn was the magic figure triggering an automatic 12-month extension
to the midfielder's one-year contract, currently set to expire on 30 June
2006. However, the achievement was marred when the player hobbled away just
16 minutes after coming on, his face contorted with pain from a serious
injury.
Club medical chief Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt diagnosed torn ligaments in
the player's right ankle. The Bayern doctor and physio "Atze" Gebhardt
supported the Iran star as he hobbled away from the Allianz Arena after the
final whistle, headed for Müller-Wohlfahrt's practice and a computer scan to
determine the full extent of the injury.
Should the renowned sports doctor's fears prove correct, Karimi will be in
plaster for at least the next ten days. The schemer will be sidelined for
six to seven weeks in total, returning to contention for the run-in at the
conclusion to the domestic season in late April. Bayern fans everywhere will
be wishing the 2004 Asian Footballer of the Year all the best for a speedy
recovery, and the chance to add to his already impressive appearances total.
