Play-off sides plagued by doubts

Titov return
There was better news for the Russians, though, when midfield player Yegor Titov came through a training session unscathed. Yartsev said of the FC Spartak Moskva captain: "Titov is likely to play." However, the fitness of another midfield player, Aleksei Smertin, remains a question mark.

Davies misses trip
The Welsh camp, meanwhile, are ruing the loss of Simon Davies. The Tottenham Hotspur FC midfield man has been sidelined by problems to his hip and groin since September, and will definitely miss the Moscow match and the return in Cardiff next Wednesday. Defender Robert Page continues to struggle with an ankle injury yet may be fit for the latter fixture.

Welsh worries
Wales coach Mark Hughes is also waiting to learn if Mark Pembridge will be available after a calf strain, while Robbie Savage and Nathan Blake are expected to respond to treatment to their respective hamstrings.

Cameron hopes
Scotland are confident about the prospects of midfield player Colin Cameron. The Wolverhampton Wanderers FC veteran had looked certain to miss Saturday's play-off against the Netherlands in Glasgow but could now recover in time from his pelvic problem. Coach Berti Vogts will at least have Gavin Rae and Stephen Pressley back after injury.

Joaquín fitness test
Spain winger Joaquín Sánchez will have a fitness test on a groin injury to ascertain his chances of being fit for his country's play-off against Norway in Valencia. The Real Betis Balompié youngster missed his team's game against FC Barcelona at the weekend complaining of sharp pains.

Slovenian setback
Ahead of Slovenia's match in Croatia on Saturday, Sebastjan Cimirotic has withdrawn from the Slovenian squad because of an achilles problem. The striker requires an operation and coach Bojan Prašnikar has called up Ermin Rakovic as a replacement. Prašnikar's goalkeeper, Marko Simeunovic, is also doubtful with a shoulder injury.

Turkey's national debt
Meanwhile, Turkey coach Senol Günes has spoken of the "debt to the nation" that his team must repay by beating Latvia in their play-off tie. Midfield player Yildiray Bastürk has been troubled by an injury but should be ready for action in Riga on Saturday.