Akinfeev 'shocked' at knee injury
Monday, May 7, 2007
Article summary
PFC CSKA Moskva and Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, 21, has revealed his "shock" at being ruled out for up to six months with torn cruciate ligaments.
Article body
Heavy collision
The talented 21-year-old was involved in a heavy collision midway though the second half of yesterday's 1-1 draw with FC Rostov and a subsequent scan revealed torn ligaments in his left knee, ruling him out for approximately six months, according to CSKA. "I am shocked,” said Akinfeev. “That is all I can say." Club coach Valeri Gazzaev added: "A goalkeeping injury always affects the team.”
European absence
Akinfeev will miss most of the Premier-Liga season, with CSKA lying second in the table, three points behind leaders FC Spartak Moskva, with 15 points from eight games. He is also likely to miss UEFA Champions League qualifying and, potentially, a large portion of the group stage. The keeper will also be sidelined for Russia's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying matches against Andorra, Croatia, F.Y.R. Macedonia and England. Russia are tied for second place in Group E with Israel and England, although Guus Hiddink's side have a game in hand on their rivals.