Giuly's Lokomotiv race

By Patrick Haond
Ludovic Giuly is keeping his fingers crossed he will be fit for Monaco's UEFA Champions League showdown with Lokomotiv Moscow.

The influential schemer is struggling with a foot injury he suffered in Monaco's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint Germain last Friday.

Giuly was hurt in a challenge with Gabriel Heinze and X-rays have revealed a metatarsus fracture, with the club uncertain how long he will be absent.

Forecasts range from between a fortnight and eight weeks and the worst case scenario would rule Giuly out of both legs of the knockout clash against Lokomotiv.

But Giuly is hoping the injury heals quickly to ensure he is available for the Principality side who are also top of Le Championnat.

"I am in good spirits," commented Giuly. "I need rest and treatment.

"The more rest I get, the sooner I will be back. This injury needs the bone to knit.

"Of course it is difficult because I wanted to enjoy a beautiful month in February. It has been postponed for a period which I hope will be as short as possible."

Monaco coach Didier Deschamps will be anxious for Giuly to recover swiftly as his midfield options have been depleted by an injury to Edouard Cisse and the loan to West Ham of Sebastien Carole.