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Zenit's Criscito unavailable for Benfica tie

Sunday, February 12, 2012

An ever-present in the group stage, FC Zenit St Petersburg's Domenico Criscito will miss his side's first game of the knockout phase because of a bout of severe food poisoning.

Domenico Criscito will miss the visit of Benfica on Wednesday
Domenico Criscito will miss the visit of Benfica on Wednesday ©Getty Images

FC Zenit St Petersburg will be forced to resume their UEFA Champions League campaign without Domenico Criscito after the defender fell victim to a bout of severe food poisoning and an intestinal infection.

Criscito played every minute of Zenit's Group G campaign but will miss the first leg of their round of 16 tie at home against SL Benfica on Wednesday. The 25-year-old was taken to hospital for surgery on Saturday and has been told to recuperate for seven to ten days. The second leg takes place in Lisbon on 6 March.

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