Loskov in line to replace Mostovoi

Russia have been rocked on the eve of their vital Group A clash with hosts Portugal by the sending home of key midfielder Aleksandr Mostovoi.

The 35-year-old Celta Vigo star was withdrawn from the squad by furious boss Georgi Yartsev over comments allegedly made to a Spanish radio station claiming his side’s defeat by Spain was the result of over-training.

His place is likely to be taken by Dmitri Loskov, while at the back Alexei Bugaev is expected to come in for Roman Sharanov, who is suspended after being sent-off against Spain. Vladislav Radimov could get his chance in midfield.

Probable team: Ovchinnikov, Evseev, Smertin, Bugaev, Sennikov, Radimov, Aldonin, Alenichev, Loskov, Izmailov, Bulykin.