Ukraine goalkeeper crisis deepens ahead of Euro 2012

Kiev(Ukraine), May 3 (IANS) Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine are facing goalkeeper crisis ahead of the tournament as first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Shovkovskiy was ruled out of action for at least three months with an injury.

'On May 2, Shovkovskiy will have an operation on his shoulder joint ligaments in the hospital in Munich,' the Dynamo Kiev Football club was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

Shovkovskiy injured his shoulder in Ukraine's qualifying match in mid-April, but until now, doctors have not considered the injury seriously.

This latest news comes as a blow to Ukraine's coach Oleg Blokhin, who has had goalkeepers quiting ahead of Euro 2012.

Ukraine's national team goalkeeper Andriy Dykan got brain concussion and multiple bruises, when he was struck in the face during a game in March, while another keeper Alexand Rybka has been suspended for doping.

According to domestic experts, Ukraine might consider Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Andry Pyatov for the championship.

Ukraine will face France, Sweden and England in the tournaments group stages.

Euro 2012 will be staged from June 8 to July 1 in Ukraine and Poland.