Double injury blow: Taha Ali and Jiri Pavlenka out
Taha Ali and Jiri Pavlenka both injured their shoulders against Panetolikos and both need surgery (1). That is 3 to 4 months out for each of them (1). The club's own people are talking about 2 to 3 months (5). Either way, you lose two starters for most of the autumn.
It happened in Agrinio, in the 1–3 win on Sunday, September 20 (1). Ali's shoulder went again after a knock he had already picked up, and an MRI confirmed an operation (4). Pavlenka is the same story (1).
Antonis Tsiftsis is now the man in goal with the pressure that comes with it. Talks over a new contract for him are expected to start soon (5).
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Despodov close to a return
Kiril Despodov is in the last stage of his recovery and should be back in full team training at the start of October (1). That gives Alessio Lisci an option on the wing exactly when he needs one.
Women's team open their Europa Cup tie
PAOK's women's team face Spartak Myjava in the first leg of the Women's Europa Cup round of 32 on Wednesday at 16:00 (2). A first-leg lead is what Thanasis Patrikidis wants before the return match (2).
Kostoglou signs professional deal
Christos Kostoglou, 17, has signed his first professional contract with PAOK after leaving the Borussia Dortmund academy mid-season (3). He joins the second team (3).
"A dream come true. I am incredibly happy and proud to announce that I signed my first professional contract with PAOK," he said (9).
Savvidis: nobody insults PAOK
Ivan Savvidis has backed central management of Super League television rights (6) (8). He says the current product is undervalued and needs a model that raises the league's total value (6).
His line on the club's stance is short: "Nobody will insult PAOK" (7).
Where you stand going into the break
Fifth matchday done, PAOK are second on 12 points, four wins from five, +7 goal difference (10). The one that got away is the 3–1 loss at Panathinaikos on September 6.
