MORRISVILLE, N.C. -- Carolina Courage midfielder Hege Riise, one of Norway's best players, tore ligaments in her right knee and will be sidelined for as much as seven months.
Riise was injured on Saturday against Boston.
Doctors estimated Riise could return in four months, which would be in time for the World Cup in China. But their conservative estimate would have her out for the rest of 2003.
A two-time All-WUSA selection and one of three finalists for the 2002 Most Valuable Player award, she is considered by many as the world's best playmaking midfielder.
Norway is the Olympic champion and one of the main contenders for the World Cup title.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
= Sporting News Radio Pass