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Soccer News of Saturday, 19 January 2002

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Olympiakos at loss to explain Oforiquaye absence

Olympiakos have admitted that they don't know when Peter Oforiquaye will return from Ghana – despite the fact that the striker missed out on the African Nations Cup because of injury.

The Ghanaian striker travelled home to link up with the national team ahead of the African Nations Cup at the beginning of December.

However, injury prevented the forward from claiming a place in the squad but he has failed to return to Greece for treatment.

The Greek champions had expected their player to return on January 9 but nine days later they still have no clear return date.

Oforiquaye's spell at Olympiakos has been dogged by his tardy travel habits after international duty and his latest episode will have done little to impress coach Takis Lemonis.

The Piraeus side are suffering a striker shortage thanks to a long-term injury to Lambros Houtos, international duty for Liberian attacker Zizi Roberts and the poor form of Brazilian Giovanni.

In their absence veteran striker Alekos Alexandris has been the club's only reliable goalscorer as they seek to close the gap on leaders AEK in the Athens derby on Sunday.