Russia's Alan Dzagoev to miss remaining Group A matches

Moscow: Russia's attacking midfielder Alan Dzagoev has said that he wont have enough time to recover from a thigh injury and will have to miss the remaining FIFA World Cup Group A matches against Egypt and Uruguay.

Dzagoev was injured in the 23rd minute of the opening match of the World Cup in which Russia crushed Saudi Arabia 5-0 on Thursday. Dzagoev boosted off for an offensive rush on the goal of the opponents, but fell down. Medics were called out onto the pitch. Dzagoev was diagnosed with muscle injury and undergoes medical treatment, reports Tass news agency.

"It is difficult to say how long it will take, medics will monitor the improvement," Dzagoev said. "Hope I still have a chance to play. I hope to God we will qualify for the knockouts, and I will be able to play. There is still some hope left," he said.

Russia, placed in Group A, will play their next group stage match against Egypt on June 19 in St. Petersburg. On June 25, Russia will play their final group stage game against Uruguay in Samara.

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