Key pair sit out Azeri test

Latvia will be without Aleksandrs Kolinko and Aleksandrs Isakovs for their final UEFA EURO 2004™ warm-up match with Azerbaijan.

Minor injuries
Latvia's first-choice goalkeeper Kolinko is still troubled by a leg problem while defender Isakovs is ruled out by illness. Both are therefore sidelined for the friendly at Riga's Skonto stadium, home of FC Skonto who have won the last 13 Latvian First Division titles

'No hurry'
"We discussed the problem with the coaches and made a logical conclusion not to hurry," said Kolinko. "I feel much better right now and am training [again] already, but there is no sense in taking risks with my health."

Pahars possibility
"The doctors promised to get me back on track soon," said Isakovs. "I hope I will not have any problems by Saturday, but I'll certainly miss the Azerbaijan game." However, Latvia coach Aleksandrs Starkovs has dropped hints that Marians Pahars, who has struggled with injuries over the last two season, could appear in the starting lineup.

Azeri test
"Does the result matter in a friendly? The result always matters," said Starkovs. "But it will be difficult to achieve as Azerbaijan are a technically skilful team with their own style. However we will give our all to confirm our high reputation."

Group D opponents
Latvia face the Czech Republic in their first game in EURO 2004™ Group D on 15 June, before playing Germany and the Netherlands.