Russia midfielder Alan Dzagoev says he is fit to play against Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday after recovering from injury.
Dzagoev hurt his hamstring during Russia's opening 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia and says he's also struggled with an old back problem.
"I had a problem with my back again," said Dzagoev. "But now I'm training in the main group and I'm ready for the match.''
His injury opened up a chance for Villarreal winger Denis Cheryshev to shine in the Russia squad. Since replacing Dzagoev in the Saudi game, Cheryshev has scored three goals and also hit the winning penalty in the last-16 win over Spain.