Russia lose Akinfeev for qualifiers
Reuters - Monday 29 August 2011, 10:17
MOSCOW - Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev
will miss next month's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Macedonia
and Ireland after suffering a serious knee injury in a league
match on Sunday, his club CSKA Moscow said Monday.
Akinfeev, who has been Russia's first choice since 2005,
damaged meniscus and cruciate ligaments in his left knee
following a collision with Brazilian striker Welliton in a
heated Moscow derby against Spartak.
CSKA said on their website that he would
undergo another medical in Germany in the next few days to
reveal the exact extent of his injury amid fears that he could
be out for several months.
The 25-year-old underwent surgery on the same knee and was
sidelined for more than six months after he tore ligaments four
years ago.
Russia coach Dick Advocaat has already called up Dynamo
Moscow keeper Anton Shunin as a replacement for the home games
against Macedonia on September 2 and Ireland four days later.