Russia midfielder Dzagoev fit for Croatia game

MOSCOW: Russia midfielder Alan Dzagoev said he is fit to play against Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals Saturday after recovering from injury.

Dzagoev hurt his hamstring during Russia’s opening 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia and said he’s also struggled with an old back problem.

Dzagoev said “I had a problem with my back again, 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.

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