Injury hits Malafeev's hopes
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Article summary
FC Zenit St. Peterburg and Russia goalkeeper Viatcheslav Malafeev is out with a double wrist fracture.
Article body
Single cap
Russia's second-choice goalkeeper, Malafeev made his international debut in the crucial EURO 2004™ play-off second leg against Wales in November, replacing the suspended Sergei Ovchinnikov. His hopes of adding to that single cap ahead of the finals have slimmed after this injury, sustained in a pre-season friendly game against FC Metalurh Donetsk.
Surgery in the Netherlands
Zenit have announced that Malafeev will undergo surgery on his wrist in the Netherlands but could not confirm how long they expect him to be missing for. Slovakian Kamil Contofalský will take his place in the Zenit side while his absence could provide a chance for Igor Akinfeev of PFC CSKA Moskva, and Sergei Kozko of FC Rubin Kazan to usurp him as Ovchinnikov's deputy.
