Injuries concern Romania's Piturca

Victor Piturca has turned to some old names as he attempts to avert an injury crisis that has hit the Romania squad ahead of their crucial UEFA EURO 2008™ double-header against the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Second chances
With Danut Coman, Cosmin Contra, Mirel Radoi, Razvan Cocis, Laurentiu Rosu and Ianis Zicu all ruled out, Piturca has been forced to recall players who have been out of the international limelight for a while. George Ogararu, Sorin Paraschiv and Florin Bratu all return after two-year absences, while Andrei Margaritescu could be in line to make only his second international appearance for the decisive match against the Dutch on 13 October. Piturca's hand may yet be further turned by injuries to Gabriel Tamas (knee) and Cristian Chivu (shoulder) at the weekend.

Romania squad
Goalkeepers: Bogdan Lobont (FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti), Marius Popa (FC Politehnica 1921 Ştiinţa Timişoara ).

Defenders: George Ogararu (AFC Ajax), Petre Marin (FC Steaua Bucureşti), Gabriel Tamas (AJ Auxerre), Dorin Goian (FC Steaua Bucureşti), Cristian Chivu (FC Internazionale Milano), Marius Marcel Constantin (FC Rapid Bucureşti), Razvan Rat (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Stefan Radu (FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti).

Midfielders: Ovidiu Petre (FC Steaua Bucureşti), Andrei Margaritescu (FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti), Sorin Paraschiv (Rimini Calcio), Adrian Cristea (FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti), Nicolae Dică (FC Steaua Bucureşti), Paul Codrea (AC Siena).

Forwards: Bănel Nicoliţă (FC Steaua Bucureşti), Gheorghe Bucur (FC Politehnica 1921 Ştiinţa Timişoara), Adrian Mutu (ACF Fiorentina), Florin Bratu (FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti), Ciprian Marica (VfB Stuttgart), Daniel Niculae (AJ Auxerre).