Injury-plagued Russians hit by Pavlyuchenko blow

Russia's depleted resources at Euro 2008 looked to have been further weakened on Thursday as it was revealed that striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was uncertain for the crucial Group D match against titleholders Greece on Saturday.

Russia's coach Guus Hiddink said that Pavlyuchenko had a groin problem – and should he not make it Dmitry Sychev and Roman Adamov would fill the forwards roles.

“He is recovering from a groin injury,” said Hiddink, whose side lost 4-1 in their opening match to Spain while the Greeks lost 2-0 to Sweden.

“We will have to wait to see if he will be fit for the match,” added Hiddink, who on the eve of the tournament had already lost another striker in Pavel Pogrebnyak.

The Russians, though, were frank about what they were going to do to the Greeks.

“We are going to send the Greeks home,” said midfielder Sergei Semak.