Sick Atletico's match with Valencia in doubt

The illness that forced Atletico Madrid to postpone their King's Cup tie with Real Zaragoza on Wednesday could put Sunday's Primera Liga match against Valencia in doubt. Acute gastro-enteritis struck down at least 14 Atletico players, who suffered from...

The illness that forced Atletico Madrid to postpone their King's Cup tie with Real Zaragoza on Wednesday could put Sunday's Primera Liga match against Valencia in doubt.

Acute gastro-enteritis struck down at least 14 Atletico players, who suffered from vomiting, stomach pains and diarrhoea during a training camp at the Spanish Football Federation's headquarters in Las Rozas.

"We are falling one by one," Atletico midfielder Gabi told a news conference yesterday, after retiring early from the morning's training session. "Torres and Perea went down with it last night and Maxi (Rodriguez) has caught it today."

The club can appeal for a postponement of the Valencia game if they are unable to field a full first team. Club medical staff said the problem could have been caused by food poisoning or a viral infection.

To add to their problems Argentine goalkeeper Leo Franco has flown back to Argentina following the death of his father.

The Spanish football federation said the postponed King's Cup tie against Zaragoza would be played on Wednesday.

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