Yartsev forced to shuffle pack
Monday, May 24, 2004
Article summary
Russia coach Georgi Yartsev must test the depth of his squad in Tuesday's friendly against Austria.
Article body
By Pavle Gognidze
With a long injury list, Russia coach Georgi Yartsev will have to gauge the depth of his squad when the UEFA EURO 2004™ finalists take on Austria in Graz on Tuesday.
Multiple injuries
The last few days have brought news of injuries to key players, particularly in defence. Captain Viktor Onopko faces a race to be fit for Portugal, while Dmitri Sennikov and Sergei Ignashevitch are also carrying minor knocks and will not be risked in Graz.
Inexperienced trio
Yartsev is, therefore, left with just four available defenders in the inexperienced trio of Roman Sharonov, Aleksandr Anyukov and Aleksei Bugayev, and Vadim Evseev. They could be joined at the back by midfield player Aleksei Smertin.
'Serious back problem'
In a further blow for Yartsev, FC Lokomotiv Moksva playmaker Dmitri Loskov has what his club coach Yuri Semin calls a "serious back problem". Loskov will miss the Austria trip, although the injury is not expected to prevent him travelling to Portugal. Aleksandr Mostovoi or Vladislav Radimov will replace him.
Brilliant Karyaka
Elsewhere in midfield, Rolan Gusev and Dmitri Alenichev are absent because of injury and the UEFA Champions League final respectively, yet the coach has many options at his disposal, not least Andrei Karyaka. The left winger has scored 12 goals in 12 Premier-Liga games for FC Krylya Sovetov Samara this season.
'Incredibly fit'
"I am very happy with the way Karyaka is playing," Krylya Sovetov coach Gaji Gajiev said. "Apart from being a leader, he is also incredibly fit. It is surprising he has so much energy left, despite his responsibilities with both club and country."
Chance for Panov
Further upfield, Aleksandr Kerzhakov is also in form, having scored the winner in his last two outings for FC Zenit St. Peterburg. Aleksandr Panov, returning to the fold after a two-and-a-half year absence, will also hope to impress. However, with Kerzhakov and Dmitri Sytchev all but assured of selection, Panov may have to produce a virtuoso performance to have a chance of going to Portugal.
