Blow for Turkey as Nihat outwith injury

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-24  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

TURKRY'S chances of winning the European Championship were dealt another blow on Sunday when forward Nihat Kahveci was ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a right thigh injury.

Nihat was hurt in the closing minutes of extra time in Friday's quarterfinal match against Croatia, which the Turks won on a penalty shootout.

The Villarreal striker got treatment but was finally ruled out and has returned home to Spain, the Turkish football federation said.

The 28-year-old Nihat scored twice in the last three minutes to help Turkey beat the Czech Republic in its final Group A match, which earned the Turks a quarterfinal berth.

Turkey could miss as many as nine players to injuries and suspensions when it plays Germany in Wednesday's semifinal in Basel.

Defender Emre Gungor (calf) was also ruled out from the tournament, while three more injured players - defender Servet Cetin (hip and knee) and midfielders Tumer Metin (groin) and Emre Belozoglu (groin) - are still doubtful for the Germany game.

Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, defender Emre Asik and midfielders Tuncay Sanli and Arda Turan are all suspended, but would be available if Turkey reaches the final. Turkey is appealing Demirel's ban.

There are only 14 players available from Turkey's 23-man squad, meaning third-choice goalkeeper Tolga Zengin will be one of only three substitutes on the bench.

Earlier on Sunday, UEFA said it had no plans to alter its rules and allow Turkey to call up any additional players.