Tuesday, 23 May 2006, 19:18 GMT 20:18 UK
Shevchenko faces World Cup doubts
Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko has caused concern over his World Cup fitness after ruling himself out of a warm-up against Costa Rica on Sunday.
AC Milan striker Shevchenko injured his knee earlier in May.
"My health is improving with each passing day," he said. "I cannot push my treatment forward too quickly."
Shevchenko is now back in Milan and said "doctors will examine me and things will become clear on my hopes for the World Cup".
The Milan star injured his knee against Parma in a Serie A game, but was named in the Ukraine squad anyway.
It is still hoped the striker will play a part in the tournament - but his absence would be a major blow, especially after Sergiy Fedorov of Dynamo Kiev was ruled out.
Shevchenko is wanted by Chelsea and he has admitted he is thinking of leaving the San Siro "for family reasons".
He has also said previously that "you will know my decision on the 24th or 25th May" but with that deadline looming, the player is back in Milan and apparently concentrating on his World Cup fitness.
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