Russia midfielder Alan Dzagoev is set to miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury in their opening 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia, a Russian club doctor says.
Dzagoev pulled up with an injury midway through the first half and was substituted in the 24th minute. The Russian Football Union confirmed the hamstring injury during the game, and said the length of time he will miss will be determined after a scan.
"Alan Dzagoev damaged the muscles in the back of the thigh," Russia said in a brief statement. "The terms of treatment will be determined by the results of the upcoming MRI."
However, Aleksandr Yardoshvili, the team doctor for Russian club Dinamo Moscow, told Sport Express that based on the video he believes the World Cup is over for Dzagoev, who has a history of hamstring injuries.
Former Russia national team doctor Yuri Vasilkov speculated that Dzagoev would miss three weeks, perhaps giving him a chance to return should Russia reach the quarterfinals.
Dzagoev, who has spent his entire club career with CSKA Moscow, starred for Russia at Euro 2012 with three goals, but missed Euro 2016 with a broken foot and also had to pull out of last summer's Confederations Cup with a hamstring injury. He has also dealt with an Achilles injury.
The 27-year-old is among Russia's top players with nine goals in 58 appearances, but fans will be encouraged by the performance of his replacement, Denis Cheryshev, who scored twice against Saudi Arabia.