Pavlyuchenko blow for Russians

By foxsports
Published

Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is out of his side's upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers with an ankle injury.

Coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed that the 28-year-old Tottenham forward will miss the games against the Republic of Ireland and Macedonia as Russia continue their quest for a place in Poland and Ukraine.

Pavlyuchenko was substituted at half-time during Spurs' 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, and Advocaat must now assess his options.

The Russia boss said: "We made a decision that Pavlyuchenko will not travel with the squad to Dublin and Skopje."

Reports in the Russian media are suggesting that Zenit St Petersburg forward

Alexander Bukharov will be called up to replace Pavlyuchenko.

Advocaat's side currently lie third in Group B with three points from two games and trail Ireland and Slovakia in the standings.