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Zidane's charity match in doubt after freak injury

July 03, 2009, 04:58 AM Post Comments
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Zinedine Zidane's charity match on Saturday is in danger of being canceled after the football great suffered a freak injury.

Nick Smith, a spokesman for the game organizers, said Zidane injured his back while bending down to pick up his child on Wednesday as he was watching Vancouver's Canada Day fireworks display.

The three-time world player of the year underwent physiotherapy on Thursday, but may have pulled a tendon in his back and recovery usually takes a week.

Organizers expect to make a decision on the game's status on Friday. Smith said Zidane's chances of playing are "50-50."

The game at B.C. Place is the finale in the three-game "Friends of Zidane" tour that has already staged events in Toronto and Montreal. They pit Zidane and other current and retired internationals against local select sides with proceeds going to UNICEF and other causes.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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