Pavlyuchenko blow for Russians

Pavlyuchenko blow for Russians

Published Oct. 5, 2010 8:41 p.m. ET

Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is out of his side's upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers with an ankle injury.

Coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed that the 28-year-old Tottenham forward will miss the games against the Republic of Ireland and Macedonia as Russia continue their quest for a place in Poland and Ukraine.

Pavlyuchenko was substituted at half-time during Spurs' 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, and Advocaat must now assess his options.

The Russia boss said: "We made a decision that Pavlyuchenko will not travel with the squad to Dublin and Skopje."

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Reports in the Russian media are suggesting that Zenit St Petersburg forward

Alexander Bukharov will be called up to replace Pavlyuchenko.

Advocaat's side currently lie third in Group B with three points from two games and trail Ireland and Slovakia in the standings.

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