Russia striker Pavel Pogrebnyak appears to be close to
missing Euro 2008 which would mark second big disappointment for the gifted
player.
Russian team officials on Saturday reportedly asked for medical personnel from
the ruling body UEFA to visit the team-quarters after the Zenit St Petersburg
star Pogrebnyak had to quit light training over a nagging meniscus injury.
A UEFA injury confirmation is required when teams want to replace squad members
which is possible ahead of their first game at Euro. Russia start into the
tournament on Tuesday against Spain.
Pogrebnyak suffered the knee injury last week in a tune-up match against Serbia
but coach Guus Hiddink had hoped the player would recover in time to play at
least from the second match onwards at Euro.
His services are badly needed as Zenit attacking partner Andrei Arshavin will
have to sit out the first two games with Spain and holders Greece over a
suspension.
If Pogrebnyak has to miss Euro it will be another blow as he was suspended for
the UEFA Cup final in May which Zenit won 2-0 over Glasgow Rangers. Pogrebnyak
was joint UEFA Cup top scorer on 10 goals with Bayern Munich and Italy forward
Luca Toni.
Possible replacements in the Russia team include Alexander Kerzhakov and
Alexander Pavlenko, dpa reported.
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