FIFA World Cup: Russia Captain Roman Shirokov Misses Out With Injury
Russia have got a huge setback at the brink of the FIFA World Cup as they will have to do without the services of captain Roman Zhirkov, who will miss the tournament due to a back injury.
Russia coach Fabio Capello said Shirokov will go to Finland on Monday for a back operation.
© AFP
Russia captain Roman Shirokov was ruled out of the World Cup on Friday with a lingering back injury.
Russia coach Fabio Capello said Shirokov will go to Finland on Monday for a back operation. The Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder missed all three World Cup warmup games, including on Friday when Russia beat Morocco 2-0 in its final pre-tournament friendly.
Yuri Zhirkov secured the win over Morocco in Moscow with a spectacular volley in the 58th minute for his first international goal, after center back Vasily Berezutsky scored in the 29th from a corner.
Shirokov's place in the squad will be taken by 21-year-old midfielder Pavel Mogilevets, who has made just one appearance for Russia.
Shirokov is "hardly like to be able to help us at the World Cup," Capello was quoted as saying in local media. "Shirokov will be replaced in the squad by Mogilevets."