Russia defender Mario Fernandes was taken to the hospital with a suspected spinal injury after landing on his back in a fall Wednesday during a European Championship game against Finland.
The Brazilian-born right back was carried off on a stretcher in the 26th minute after a lengthy period of treatment on the field. He had jumped for a header and was unable to break his fall as he landed on his back. He was wearing a yellow support device on his head and neck as he was carried off the field.
The Russian team said Fernandes is suspected of having damaged part of his upper spine and was taken to the hospital for an examination.
Russia's Mario Fernandes lays on the ground after his injuring during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Russia and Finland at the Saint Petersburg stadium, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. (Evgenia NovozheninaPool via AP)
The injury could add to personnel problems for Russia.
Veteran left back Yuri Zhirkov has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament after injuring his thigh in the opening 3-0 loss to Belgium on Saturday. Defender Fyodor Kudryashov has yet to play after he was injured in a pre-tournament friendly. Winger Andrey Mostovoy was replaced in the squad last week after testing positive for the coronavirus.
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Russia's Mario Fernandes is carried off the pitch during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Finland and Russia at the Gazprom Arena stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. (AP PhotoKirill Kudryavtsev, Pool)