Arshavin to miss opening games

Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin will be missing for the first two games of Euro 2008 because of a red card he picked up against Andorra in a 1-0 in the final game of the qualifying rounds for the tournament.

The Zenit playmaker was highly influential as the Russian club won the UEFA Cup and he is sure to be missed by the Russian national side.

"It is not good for Russia because Arshavin is one of the most talented players in Russia,'' Zenit coach Dick Advocaat said.

Arshavin is sure to be missed for the games against Spain and Greece in Group D.