Petrov injury a problem for Bulgaria
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Article summary
Bulgaria's Club Atlético de Madrid winger Martin Petrov is one of a number of players affected by injury in advance of Wednesday's round of EURO qualifiers.
Article body
Bulgaria
Belgium will be without midfielders Gaby Mudingayi and Karel Geraerts for their Group A qualifier against Finland in Helsinki. S.S. Lazio's Mudingayi, who started Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Portugal, has been forced to withdraw with a thigh injury. R. Standard de Liège playmaker Geraerts damaged ribs after coming on as a substitute in Brussels.
Russia-based Moldova internationals Serghei Covalciuc, Radu Rebeja and Ghenadie Olexic will all miss Wednesday's Group C qualifier against Greece in Heraklion after picking up injuries. Semion Bulgaru is also sidelined for fitness reasons, while Vladimir Taranu and Stanislav Namasco are left at home due to visa problems.
Belarus have travelled to Sofia for their Group G qualifier against Bulgaria without FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk defender Pavel Plaskonny. The 22-year-old has been allowed to remain in Minsk as his wife is due to give birth. The player informed coach Yuri Puntus of his situation on Tuesday morning and was given permission to stay behind.
