CSKA Moscow and Russia defender Sergei Ignashevich has been ruled out of Saturday's crucial top-of-the-table clash against Zenit St. Petersburg with a broken toe, his club said Wednesday.
The CSKA captain may be out for longer depending on whether he needs surgery, the club said.
"It the nearest future it will be decided whether Ignashevich needs an operation or just conservative treatment," a website statement said.
CSKA are also missing creative midfielder Alan Dzagoev, but could welcome back goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev after long-term injury for Saturday's game.
Reigning champions Zenit have their playmaker Danny out with a knee problem, but also have a key player back in midfielder Sergei Semak, who missed the weekend's 1-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow.
Eleven points separate high-flying Zenit from second-placed CSKA, and anything less than a victory for the army side could see their title hopes crumble with just six games remaining.
