Russia's preparations for Euro 2016 have been dealt a blow with the news that Denis Cheryshev will be sidelined for the next four months.
The Real Madrid winger, who has spent the second half of the season on loan with Valencia, has been plagued by bouts of tendonitis.
Now, Madrid have decided that surgery is the best way to fix the complaint, which will prevent Cheryshev from representing his country in France and also means that he misses the start of 2016-17.
The 25-year-old is yet to find the net after nine appearances at senior international level.