Back injury casts shadow over Zheng's Olympic campaign

(BEIJING, July 4) -- Chinese football star Zheng Zhi could miss Beijing 2008 due to a back injury. The Charlton Athletic midfielder was diagnosed in late June with a herniated disk in his lower back.

Chinese coach Ratomir Dujkovic said: "Zheng is the best Chinese footballer. If he is not able to play in the Olympics, it would be a heavy loss for the whole Chinese Olympic team."

Although the doctors who carried out the physical examination have confirmed that Zheng's injury is not a serious one, the Chinese Football Association has already considered substitutes for him.

Zheng himself will not easily give up the opportunity to play in Beijing 2008. He has been training with the national team to stay match-fit.

Dujkovic said he would let Zheng stay with the team until he finalizes the roster: "I expect Zheng's condition to go well. I will decide at the last moment if Zheng will play at the Olympics, and that depends on his form."