Gronkjaer missing for Copenhagen

Posted Thursday, September 17, 2009 by PA

FC Copenhagen will be without influential winger Jesper Gronkjaer when they open their Europa League group campaign away to Romanian side CFR Cluj on Thursday night.

The former Ajax, Chelsea and Birmingham man has been struggling for match fitness and has not been included in the 17-man squad that travelled to eastern Europe.

Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken told the club's official website www.fck.dk: "I have chosen to leave Gronkjaer at home because I think he will benefit more from training properly and regularly again to regain top form.

"Throughout the season, Jesper has been plagued by minor niggles, and it is only now that he is finally clear of it and we do not want to take any chances with him in Cluj."

Norwegian coach Solbakken is also without defender Ulrik Laursen due to an illness and midfielder Hjalte Norregaard who has a foot injury.

FC Copenhagen will be looking for a strong response after missing out on the Champions League with a play-off defeat to Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia.

Opponents Cluj featured in the Champions League group phase last season, finishing bottom of their group but causing a stir with a 2-1 win away to Roma in their opening match.

Argentinian midfielder Juan Culio, who scored a brace that night, has been identified as their main danger man by Solbakken.

"I like Culio, he is playing at a high level," he told Romanian newspaper City News.

"I think he is great, and (fellow Argentinian Sebastian) Dubarbier is a great player too."

Cluj coach Antonio Conceicao, whose future is the subject of speculation even at this early stage of the season, said: "The objective is to win, especially because we are a balanced team."

Goalkeeper Eduard Stancioiu added: "You have to take everything step by step, but it is a must-win game tomorrow. Copenhagen are a good team, they played in the Champions League preliminaries.

"All the players must go on to the pitch motivated to do his duty."

Cluj ended a five-match winless streak at home in European competition with a 2-1 victory over FK Sarajevo to book their place in the group phase.