Shakhtar's Kucher ruled out of Roma trip
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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FC Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back Olexandr Kucher "has a serious knee injury" and is certain to miss the Ukrainian champions' round of 16 first-leg game against AS Roma.
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FC Shakhtar Donetsk centre-back Olexandr Kucher will miss the first leg of the Ukrainian champions' UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against AS Roma because of a knee injury.
Shakhtar, who have been on their domestic winter break since late November, arrived in Rome on Saturday ahead of their game at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday. Kucher, who played 90 minutes in Ukraine's 1-1 friendly draw against Sweden in midweek, appeared three times in Group H but did not make the trip to the Italian capital.
"Kucher has a serious injury," said Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu. "He will definitely miss the game." No further details on the length of the 28-year-old's absence have so far been revealed. The return leg will take place in Donetsk on 8 March.