Pavlenko setback to Spartak hopes
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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FC Spartak Moskva midfield player Aleksandr Pavlenko will likely sit out their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round match because of a bladder complaint.
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FC Spartak Moskva midfielder Aleksandr Pavlenko will likely miss their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie because of a bladder problem.
Rising star
The 23-year-old has needed hospital treatment for the complaint, the recovery time from which will be one month. His absence will be a blow to Spartak, given Pavlenko has missed only one league game this season, scoring three goals in nine starts. He has never looked back since taking a starring role while on loan at FC Shinnik Yaroslavl last term, being voted the Russian second division's Player of the Year. The Spartak academy product was subsequently named in Russia's provisional UEFA EURO 2008™ squad. Spartak begin their European campaign on 12/13 August, with the second leg of the third qualifying round matches scheduled for 26/27 August.