Ashurmatov injury ails Krylya Sovetov

FC Krylya Sovetov Samara's problems have increased with the news that Uzbek international defender Bakhtiyor Ashurmatov could be out for three months after straining knee ligaments.

Debut misery
The former FC Alania Vladikavkaz and FC Moskva player was only five minutes into his debut against FC Tom when he picked up the injury. He will now have surgery and will miss the start of the Russian side's UEFA Cup campaign, which starts at home to Belarussian side FC BATE Borisov in the second qualifying round first leg on 11 August.

Financial worries
Already suffering financial problems that forced them to offload financial several key players over the summer, Ashurmatov's loss will be a huge blow to Krylya Sovetov. The departures of Robertas Poškus, Laryea Kingston, Patrick Ovie and Russian international Aleksandr Anyukov has left Krylya Sovetov with a threadbare squad, and they look set to become embroiled in a relegation battle.

Downward spiral
The arrivals of former Russian international Andrei Solomatin and Ashurmatov, and the loan signing of Ghanaian striker Baba Adamu has not led to a turnaround at the club. Indeed, after Ashurmatov was carried off on Sunday, Krylya Sovetov lost 4-2 to drop to 13th in the Russian Premier League.