Chinese defender Sun ruled out for one year
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-10-17 10:57

Manchester City's victory over Chelsea on Saturday was tempered with a serious knee injury to defender Sun Jihai which could rule the Chinese international out of action for one year.

Chinese defender Sun Jihai seriously injures his knee during a game between Manchester City and Chelsea Saturday, October 16, 2004. [Reuters]

Sun had to be replaced two minutes before halftime after injuring his left knee in a challenge for the ball with Chelsea forward Eidur Gudjohnsen.

"He's out for a year, he's done both his medial and cruciate ligaments," manager Kevin Keegan said after City's 1-0 home win over Chelsea.

Sun, a utility player, was drafted into midfield in the absence of the injured mifielders Claudio Reyna and Joey Barton.

"It was an innocuous challenge (on Sun) but for us another injury which we can't afford," Keegan said.

"It is a massive blow for him and all of us. We are a small squad and we need everyone fit,"he added.

Sun had managed to keep Chelsea star midfielder Frank Lampard in check and before Sun's departure, City took a one-goal lead through a penalty converted by French forward Nicolas Anelka in the 11th minute.

The penalty turned out to be the only goal of the game as City held off the charge of the visitors and ended Chelsea's unbeaten run of eight league games.

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