Zenit duo Malafeev and Criscito set to miss the Champions League game against Benfica

Zenit St. Petersburg goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev is like to miss the upcoming 1/8 final Champions League fixture against Benfica after picking up an injury in training.

The Zenit Number 1 felt a painful sensation in his calf during the Sunday training exercise. A similar injury already caused the player to miss most of last year’s preseason.

Meanwhile, Italian defender Dominico Criscito is in hospital after being diagnosed with food poisoning. He required surgery after the full extent of a severe stomach bug became clear. He is set to be out for 7 to 10 days, so he will also be absent for the first leg match against the Portuguese club.

The Russian champions are already without Miguel Danny, who is set to miss 8 months of football after damaging his knee.