Morientes' appearance in Gelsenkirchen not in jeopardy

AS Monaco's prolific goalscorer Fernando Morientes sustained an injury in the league clash with Stade Rennes at the weekend. But this year's UEFA Champions League finalists are confident they will be able to fall back on the 28-year-old's services for the final in Gelsenkirchen.

The Spanish international scored Monaco's only goal of the game in the 4-1 home defeat but later limped off injured. The Monegasques initially feared the worst, but club doctor Eric Buracchi has since given the all-clear, saying: "He has suffered a left ankle strain which will not jeopardise his appearance in the final." Morientes is the leading scorer in this year's UEFA Champions League with eleven goals.

There is a possibility, however, that Morientes will be rested for the final game of the season at Girondins Bordeaux this Friday.