Sukur - could miss big match (Allsport).
SUKUR FIGHTING FITNESS BATTLE
By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Osaka
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Turkey captain Hakan Sukur is fighting a desperate battle to be fit for the
most-important match in his country's history.
Sukur is one of a number of Turkey's stars playing through the pain barrier in
a bid to continue his nation's World Cup adventure.
Sukur continues to struggle with a knee injury which has plagued him
throughout the tournament, and since the tail-end of his Serie A season with
Parma.
The 31-year-old striker, Turkey's most-experienced player with 78 caps to his
name - he has scored 35 goals - is again doubtful with a thigh injury.
Sukur trained with the majority of his team-mates at Minamitumori Sakura Park
on a wet but warm evening in Osaka ahead of his side's quarter-final tie against
Senegal on Saturday.
But team spokesman Can Cobanoglu said: "It is an injury he has been carrying
for some time, but he was able to play with it against Japan, and we will have
to wait and see if he can do the same against Senegal."
Goalkeeper Rustu Recber has a hamstring problem, while Blackburn defender
Hakan Unsal is another major doubt due to an injury to his left knee on which he
required an operation last season.
Unsal underwent a light training session, primarily stretching exercises with
the team doctor, but is likely to be given the all clear ahead of the match at
the Nagei Stadium.
Inter Milan midfielder Okan Buruk has now recovered from a calf strain which
has so far prevented him from playing in the tournament, with Cobanoglu adding:
"Okan is fine and it is now up to the coach (Senol Gunes) to decide whether he
should play."
Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet, who has also yet to figure for Turkey, is
finally available after shaking off a thigh strain, while Gunes has Emre
Belozoglu and Emre Asik free from suspension.
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