Yomi Omogbeja (18/08/2004)

Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie and Kenyan Sammy Korir could miss out of the athletics event which begins in Athens on Friday.

Ethiopian athletics officials said the 31-year-old Gebrselassie is struggling with a leg injury and could miss out on his bid to win his third consecutive Olympic 10,000m title.

The two-time Olympic champion has recently suffered a dip in form but last month ran the fastest ever 5,000 metres on British soil at Crystal Palace super GP.

National track coach Wolde-Meskel Kostre told the media: "Haile has been having a problem with his left leg.

"He has been instructed by the doctor to do only light training.

But we still have until a few days before the race to see how he is doing."

Gebrselassie was reported to have aggravated his achilles tendon at the London super Grand Prix at the end of July.

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Korir is reported to be undergoing treatment for a leg injury in Italy but is expected to be fit for the Olympic marathon race on August 29.

Kenyan team manager Alfred Khang'ati said: "We are monitoring him closely. We have received reports that he is recovering well and I am sure he will be here for the marathon race."

Korir’s injury may dent a massive blow to Kenya hope of a clean medal sweep of the men’s marathon event in Athens.

The Kenyan team comprises Korir, world marathon record holder Paul Tergat and 2000 Sydney Olympic silver medallist Eric Wainaina.