Doctors' orders keep Bora from fulfilling HK mission

China national coach Bora Milutinovic was resting in hospital in Kunming suffering from a mild case of pneumonia yesterday as his Carlsberg Cup players flew into Hong Kong without their charismatic leader.

Milutinovic checked into hospital near the China national squad's training camp suffering from influenza and a 'small degree' of pneumonia, according to the Chinese Football Association (CFA) - but he is expected to be discharged within a few days.

Organisers are keeping their fingers crossed that the flamboyant 57-year-old Yugoslav can still travel to the SAR in time for China's opening game against the Hong Kong League XI on Tuesday in the annual Chinese New Year extravaganza.

Carlsberg spokesman Derek Currie was hopeful the man who has led five national teams to the World Cup finals would be able to keep his Hong Kong appointment and take his place in the Chinese team dug-out.

'We wish Bora a speedy recovery and we are sorry that he cannot come here yet. I really hope he can come for the Carlsberg Cup tournament. Knowing Bora and knowing his character, he will be here because I don't think he will miss it for anything,' said Currie.

'China don't have too many games between now and the World Cup finals so I think Bora would try to make it here. It's better for him to rest. He will probably be here on Monday or maybe he will come on Tuesday. It depends on his condition. If his condition doesn't get worse, he should be coming soon.'