Football: Gascoigne aims to play on despite cracked rib

PAUL GASCOIGNE, the England midfielder, could play for Lazio in the Italian league on Sunday despite a cracked rib, his team manager, Maurizio Manzini, said yesterday.

'This type of injury normally requires two weeks' rest but the club doctor has said Gascoigne might be able to play on if he is properly strapped up,' Manzini said. 'The rib is not broken, it is only cracked.'

Gascoigne was injured during Sunday's 1-1 Serie A draw with Sampdoria, and had to come off early in the second half after a sparkling display during the first 45 minutes.

Lazio, whose recent run of fine form has lifted them to fifth in the league, travel to mid-table Foggia on Sunday.

Gascoigne had only recently returned after an Achilles tendon injury and has played only seven of Lazio's 17 league matches this season. He came back from his Christmas break with a slight groin strain, which he overcame in time to play.