Rate it!

9 votes

Portsmouth duo Jermain Defoe and Lassana Diarra do not require operations after receiving the all-clear from specialists.

Both players, captain Sol Campbell and Nigeria forward John Utaka will however miss the UEFA Cup Group E clash with Milan at Fratton Park.

England striker Defoe had already resigned himself to a six-week lay-off after a calf problem recurred while on international duty and was widely expected to go under the knife.

France midfielder Diarra has an ankle problem but he has also been told that his injury can be treated with rest and physiotherapy.

Campbell has a toe problem and Utaka a hip injury, while midfielder Sean Davis is recovering from flu and doubtful.

Manager Tony Adams said: "It's all good signs for the long term really.

"Jermain trained for the first time on Wednesday since he came back from Germany with England and Lassana is still out in France being looked after but it is a relief that operations are not going to be necessary."

Adams had earlier said that an under-strength Milan squad could cause problems for his side.

But the Rossoneri have included Brazil stars Kaka and Ronaldinho in a 21-man squad that also contains on-loan Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos and his former Gunners team-mate Mathieu Flamini along with ex-Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Reda Maher / Eurosport