Greece unexpectedly got captain Theodoros Zagorakis back for their opening Confederations Cup match against Brazil on Thursday but have lost striker Zissis Vryzas to injury.
Zagorakis was expected to miss Greece's first two matches of the tournament because he was required by his club Bologna to take part in their relegation play-off battle. But the Italian side released Zagorakis and he arrived in Leipzig on Monday.
"His arrival has lifted spirits in the whole camp," a Greek spokesman said. "He is a vital part of our team, not just for the way he plays on the pitch, but for his strong personality and character. He is our most influential player."
But the joy was tempered by the loss of Vryzas, who suffered a broken left hand in a relegation match for his Spanish side Celta Vigo on Sunday. He arrived in Germany with his hand in plaster and needs surgery to repair the fracture.
Greece are already missing defender Traianos Dellas, recovering from hernia surgery, and will also be without defender Mihalis Kapsis, who is suffering from leg injuries.
© 2024 Rediff.com -