SHEVCHENKO INJURY FEARS ALLAYED

THE whole of the Ukraine breathed a collective sigh of relief on Monday when it was revealed that Andrei Shevchenko is almost certain to be fit to face Germany in the World Cup qualification play-off on November 10.

The talismanic centre forward suffered a broken nose during Milan`s 0-0 draw with Bologna on Sunday, and it was initially feared that he would miss the German encounter.

Doctors suggested that the player should wait until the end of the week to have corrective surgery, due to the severity of the swelling, but Shevchenko was aware that this would place his participation in doubt and decided to have the operation immediately.

This caused the player a lot of discomfort, but it should aid his recovery and make him available for selection.

Ukrainian Football Federation president Grygoriy Surkis has revealed that he has spoken to the player and his Italian club, and hopes he will make a swift recovery.

Surkis said: "The situation caused nervousness for the whole nation. Everybody was aware of what had happened. Immediately after the incident I called Milan football club to be kept up to date on all the latest events.

"It was suggested that the operation should to be done in four days when the swelling would have eased, but Andrei, who realised that this would make him a doubt for the Ukrainian national team, insisted on immediate surgery. Luckily it passed successfully.

"There is another good piece of news: The broken nose happened without concussion of the brain that often follows injuries of this kind. This will obviously aid his recovery time.

"Andrei is now home, he is recovering and seems fine.

"For about a week he will be absent from training and after that he'll start work.

"But now, for me personally, the main thing isn't the exact date when Shevchenko returns but rather his health. I do hope everything will be fine."

Surkis revealed that the player`s profile meant he was prominent on German television, adding: "I've been informed that the episode of Andrei`s injury did not leave TV screens in Germany and Italy.

"I also know that Milan fans were shocked with Shevchenko's desire to go on playing after sustaining the injury. This fact proved once more Andrei's professionalism and commitment."