CSKA Moscow defender Sergei Ignashevich is longing for a return to action before the end of the season after breaking his toe in training.
The injury rules out the 32-year-old center back for several matches including Saturday's crucial table-topper at Zenit St. Petersburg.
Second-placed CSKA have just six games to extinguish the 11-point gap to leaders Zenit, and Ignashevich said he hoped to be back to help.
"I'm really upset by this turn of events," he said on the club's website. "It's hard to imagine a more awkward time [to get injured.]
"The injury isn't too serious, they haven't even used a case. I really hope that I'll be able to help my team against this season."
CSKA's last game of the season is May 13 away to Rubin Kazan.
CSKA are also missing creative midfielder Alan Dzagoev, but could welcome back goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev after long-term injury for Saturday's game.
Reigning champions Zenit have their playmaker Danny out with a knee problem, but also have a key player back in midfielder Sergei Semak, who missed last weekend's 1-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow.
Ignashevich has 72 caps for Russia and is expected to be among the first names on Dick Advocaat's squad list for this summer's Euro 2012.
