Torn ankle ligaments ruin Ali's big day

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.