Injury worries for Estonia
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Article summary
Estonia coach Arno Pijpers has injury worries to contend before the qualifier with Bulgaria.
Article body
Estonia national coach Arno Pijpers has injury worries to contend with in his 22-man squad for the friendly with Canada and the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier with Bulgaria.
Flora woe
Most of Pijpers' concern centres on his players from FC Flora Tallinn. Defenders Erko Saviauk, Teet Allas and Taavi Rähn all missed the first league game of the season with injuries. Another worry is over Estonia captain Martin Reim, after the midfield player hurt his calf muscle while Meelis Rooba has complained of an ankle problem.
Oper on song
Estonia have been cheered by the good form of Andres Oper, who has 21 international goals, at Danish club Aalborg BK. The forward is certain to lead the line against Canada on 29 March, before the vital Group 8 home qualifier against Bulgaria on 2 April. The Estonians are third in the group, with one point from their first two matches. Bulgaria are top, with three wins from three.
Estonia squad
Kaalma, Pareiko, Poom, Allas, Hohlov-Simson, Piiroja, U Rooba, Rahn, Saviauk, Stepanovs, Haavistu, Kristal, Leetma, Reim, M Rooba, Terehhov, Lindpere, Oper, Saharov, Zahovaiko, Zelinski, Viikmae.
