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Injury forces Papadopoulos out of EURO

Friday, June 8, 2012

Greece defender Avraam Papadopoulos has returned home from UEFA EURO 2012 after suffering knee ligament damage in his country's opening day draw with co-hosts Poland.

Avraam Papadopoulos is returning home after suffering knee ligament damage in Greece's opener
Avraam Papadopoulos is returning home after suffering knee ligament damage in Greece's opener ©AFP/Getty Images

Avraam Papadopoulos will miss the rest of UEFA EURO 2012 after suffering ligament damage in his left knee during Greece's tournament opener against co-hosts Poland.

The injury occurred 37 minutes into the 1-1 draw and the Olympiacos FC defender was replaced by his namesake Kyriakos, before being taken to hospital. Scans confirmed the 27-year-old suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and sprained lateral collateral ligament of the left knee. After returning to the team hotel in Jachranka, a statement made by the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) announced he would return home for treatment.

Greece will next face the Czech Republic in Wroclaw on 12 June as they aim to get a first Group A win after Dimitris Salpingidis' second-half goal earned the draw with Poland.

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