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Titov in line for Russia return [Thu Aug 25th, 2005]
Moscow (Reuters) - Russia midfielder Yegor Titov, who has served a one-year drugs ban, may return for next month's World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein and Portugal, coach Yuri Syomin said.
Titov, one of Russia's most influential players, was suspended by UEFA in January 2004 after testing positive for the banned stimulant bromantan after the Euro 2004 playoff first leg against Wales in November 2003 when he was an unused substitute.
The Spartak Moscow playmaker returned to league football in January, but has yet to be recalled by the national side. He has always maintained his innocence over the drugs charge.
"I watched the Dynamo versus Spartak match and Yegor left a good impression. He is more and more like the Titov whom we remember," Syomin told Sovietsky Sport newspaper.
"If everything is fine with him after the Spartak-Alania match (on Saturday), we will send Yegor an invitation."
Without Titov, Russia struggled at Euro 2004 in Portugal and were the first team to be knocked out of the competition.
Titov's return would be a boost to Russia's World Cup qualifying campaign. Currently in third place in Group Three behind Portugal and Slovakia, Russia can ill afford to drop any more points.
They face Liechtenstein at home on September 3 and Portugal four days later.
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