EMMANUEL EKPO Could Miss Start Of Champions League

Out of action since May 1 after suffering a broken leg in Molde's 4-0 away win over Sunndal, Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medalist Emmanuel Ekpo is doubtful for the start of Molde's Champions League campaign in late July.

Ekpo had an operation to repair his damaged fibula on May 5th. He had been expected to return to the pitch at the end of June, but his rehabilitation will take much longer, club doctors have revealed.

''There are two screws in my foot which doctors removed a couple of weeks ago. So it is probably two to three weeks yet before I can start training properly.

''I really want to be involved in qualifying for the Champions League, so I hope I can be relevant at the end of July. But I do not know,'' Ekpo who arrived Molde as a free agent from MLS side Columbus Crew told aftenposten.no.

Before his injury setback, the 24-year-old midfielder had suited 6 times in the league for table toppers Molde.