Yartsev calls on defensive cover

Two young defenders have made a surprise appearance in Russia's preliminary squad for UEFA EURO 2004™.

Defensive duo
Georgi Yartsev has named FC Krylya Sovetov Samara's Alexander Anyukov and FC Torpedo Moskva's Alexei Bugayev, both of whom made their debuts in this week's goalless friendly draw with Austria, in his 27-man preliminary squad for the finals as he seeks to find cover for a severely stretched back four.

'Good impression'
"They both made a good impression on me," said the coach. "I would single out Bugayev, who did not lose out in the air to the tall Austrian strikers. I think he has a good chance in the national team. As for Anyukov, he was a bit nervous in the match, and he did not support the attacks as he does for his club."

Defenders injured
The duo may not travel to Portugal if key defenders Viktor Onopko, Sergei Ignashevitch and Dmitri Sennikov all manage to recover from their respective injuries. All have been included in Yartsev's squad, subject to a thorough medical examination at the national team camp in Bor on Monday.

Semshov named
FC Zenit St. Petersburg midfield player Andrei Arshavin is a notable absentee from the squad but Torpedo's Igor Semshov, who did not play in the game in Graz has been named in the squad along with FC Porto's UEFA Champions League final goalscorer Dmitri Alenichev.

Forward line
Five forwards will train at the camp in Bor until Yartsev names his final squad on 2 June. Alexander Panov or Dmitri Kirichenko look the most likely candidates to be left at home while Alexander Kerzhakov, Dmitri Sytchev and Dmitri Bulykin can be sure of their places.

'Final decision'
"I will not name a final squad for now," said Yartsev. "I need to look at the condition of the players and then make a final decision. I am hoping that all those nursing minor injuries will be back in training as soon as possible."

Russia squad
Ovchinnikov, Malafeev, Akinfeev, Onopko, Ignashevitch, Sharonov, Anyukov, Bugayev, Sennikov, Evseev, Smertin, Mostovoi, Alenichev, Gusev, Aldonin, Izmailov, Loskov, Radimov, Bystrov, Semshov, Karyaka, Boyarintsev, Kerzhakov, Sychev, Bulykin, Kirichenko, Panov.