Kerzhakov ready for Zenit return

FC Zenit St. Peterburg have been given a major boost ahead of their UEFA Cup Group H meeting with AEK Athens FC with the news that Russian international Aleksandr Kerzhakov is likely to be fit.

Thigh problem
The 21-year-old forward has been struggling with a thigh injury but is expected to recover in time for Thursday's opening game. Zenit's Russian international goalkeeper Viacheslav Malafeev is doubtful with flu so Kamil Contofalský is standing by, while Radek Šírl picked up a muscle injury in training and is also struglling to be fit.

'Toughest match'
AEK coach Fernando Santos acknowledged that his side face a stern test at the Petrovsky stadium, saying: "This will be the toughest match we have played so far this season. Zenit are one of the favouites for the Russian Premier League title and they eliminated [FK] Crvena Zvezda in the previous round. That speaks volumes about their potential. We want to win but, considering the circumstances, a draw would satisfy us."

Flying high
With Sevilla FC inactive on Matchday 1, the other match in the section pits last season's German Cup runners-up TSV Alemannia Aachen against LOSC Lille Métropole, who are without Mathieu Chalmé due to a cheekbone injury but currently lie second on Ligue 1 and are level on points with Olympique Lyonnais.

Duo return
Aachen, meanwhile, recently defeated 1. FC Dynamo Dresden 5-1 and SV Eintracht Trier 05 4-0 and are third in the 2.Bundesliga. Dieter Hecking's side welcome back Willi Landgraf and Cristian Fiel after flu.