Injuries threaten Russia’s prospects in Dortmund

Russia’s football team has arrived in Germany ahead of what is expected to be the most difficult of their world cup qualifying games. And with less than 48 hours till kick-off, coach Guus Hiddink has a serious selection crisis with several key players sidelined through injury.

Four hours after landing in Germany, Guus Hiddink’s team took to the training field to continue their preparations for Saturday’s match.

It was a light session, with Hiddink not wanting to push the players too hard.

“We had a flight today, and my experience is that after spending two hours up in the air, you must work concentrated, but not over demanding, because then you'll be in danger of injuries,” the Dutchman said.

Before arriving in Dortmund, Russia had already been hit by the withdrawals of three key players.

Denis Kolodin, Dmitry Torbinsky and Roman Pavlyuchenko are out injured. They suffered a further blow with Diniyar Bilyaletdinov set to miss out.

“He will be out of the match, but we hope to have him fit by Wednesday's tie with Finland,” said Hiddink.

There are also doubts concerning Pavel Pogrebnyak’s fitness, who Hiddink says isn’t 100 per cent fit. He’s hopeful the Zenit striker will be available, and his presence will be crucial with Pavlyuchenko out injured.

If Pogrebnyak doesn’t make it, that would leave Dmitry Sychev and the two teenagers, Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Prudnikov, as Hiddink’s only options up front.

Both youngsters have impressed the Dutchman, but he was coy about the possibility of either playing.

Germany are sure to provide Russia with a stern test, and Hiddink certainly hasn’t been helped by losing so many key players.

But as the Dutchman philosophically observed, this gives other players the chance to impress.

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