[Jager]

Amauri raring to go Saturday 28 July, 2007

Palermo hitman Amauri hopes to be there for the first game of the season after a nine-month injury nightmare.

The striker had taken the Rosanero to the top of the Serie A table with eight goals in 18 games, but when he snapped knee ligaments in December, the team tumbled down the standings.

He took part in a game between ranks this week and seemed to be in good shape, but there is a long way to go yet.

“The right knee has responded well to treatment, but considering the seriousness of the injury, we need Amauri to regain muscular strength before he can get back on the field,” explained club doctor Roberto Matracia.

That’s not going to stop the Brazilian, who cannot wait to get started on the 2007-08 campaign.

“I will be ready for August 26, then it is up to the Coach to decide whether or not I’ll be included in the squad,” said Amauri.

He has another tactician to impress, as Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has confirmed he wants to see Amauri in action again.

Although born in Brazil, he has an Italian passport and would be eligible for the Azzurri.

A call-up to the Nazionale was in the pipeline before that horrific injury cut short his season.

“I like Amauri and am curious to see him in action again. Francesco Guidolin said he was crucial for Palermo,” Donadoni told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport.’

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