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World Cup 2010: Russia ready for German challenge
Russia's Sergey Ignashevich in action against Wales
The Russian football team have held their first training session ahead of their crunch World Cup qualifier against Germany this weekend. But injury problems have led to a number of new faces in the Russian squad, leaving coach Guus Hiddink with plenty to ponder.
Alan Dzagoev is among the recent arrivals to the squad. Only just turned 18, he's already won his first call-up.
The CSKA Moscow midfielder only broke into his club side's first team a few months ago, but with 7 goals in only 14 games he's already caught Hiddink's eye.
Also joining Dzagoev in the squad are the Spartak Moscow striker, Aleksandr Prudnikov, and Denis Glushakov of Lokomotiv, while Igor Denisov wins a call-up after rejecting the chance to join up with the Russian team before Euro 2008.
Hiddink hasn't ruled out that some of them could feature.
Germany are sure to provide Russia with a stern test, and Hiddink believes a draw against the Euro 2008 runners-up would be a good result.
However, captain Sergey Semak believes Russia could go one better.
Of course it all depends on how the teams play. Maybe we'll play well and go on and win, or maybe we'll have an off-day. We'll play for the win and see what happens, he said.
Hiddink does have a few injury concerns. Roman Pavluchenko didn't train after he picked up an injury in Tottenham's last game, while Dmitry Torbinsky and Denis Kolodin are out.
Germany are, on the contrary, boosted by a couple of comebacks, including skipper Michael Ballack, who was back in the squad for their latest training session.
The Chelsea midfielder missed the Liechtenstein and Finland qualifiers through a foot injury, but is fully fit for the remaining games - against Russia on Saturday and Wales four days later.
Also up and running is Werder Bremen veteran midfielder Torsten Frings, though defender Marcell Jancen is laid off with a torn muscle.
Joachim Loew's men are currently leading the group with one win and one draw, with Russia and Wales hot on their heals.
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info from russiatoday.com
