CSKA Moscow defender Vasili Berezutski was forced to withdraw from Russia’s Euro 2012 squad because of injury.
The experienced defender suffered a thigh muscle injury a couple of weeks ago and it has now been revealed that he won’t recover in time to play at the tournament finals.
Berezutski, whose twin brother Alexei is also in the squad, was initially expected to be fit, but his recovery took longer than predicted.
“It’s a pity, but the situation is much worse than we thought,” Berezutski was quoted as saying.
“I tried to run today and immediately felt pain and discomfort. In the best-case scenario I would return to full fitness by the start of the tournament.
“We talked with Dick Advocaat and agreed that I can’t help the team. I would only be taking up someone’s place at the training camp.”
Russia are seen as the favourites to win Group A which also contains the likes of Poland, Greece and Czech Republic. Dick Advocaat’s side are 2.50 (2/3) with Sportingbet to finish as group winners.
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