Russia midfielder Pavel Mamaev has admitted that his side have been weakened by injuries ahead of their Euro 2016 campaign.
Manager Leonid Slutsky will be without key players Alan Dzagoev and Igor Denisov in France, with the latter being ruled out earlier this week due to a thigh injury.
The team wore T-shirts voicing their support for the stricken Denisov during training on Wednesday, but Mamaev is confident that the team will be able to adapt to the midfield duo's absence.
"We wanted to support Igor. It is very unpleasant because Denisov is a key player for the team," he told reporters.
"He was vice-captain in our last match and this tournament was very important to him. It was bad news for Dzagoev too but I think the coach will find a way out of this situation. He will make the decision.
"I think the coaching staff are doing everything necessary because we have to come to that first game absolutely ready."
Russia will take on England in their Group B opener in Marseille on Saturday.
Barney Corkhill
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