MOSCOW (PBL/Euroleague/Olympics) - Russia's Andrei Kirilenko was the EuroBasket 2007 MVP, and an all-tournament selection at EuroBasket 2011, because of his talent and his tenacity.

While that second adjective is why people in his homeland and all over Europe regard him as one of the fiercest competitors in basketball, it also explains how the 2.05m forward can get hurt from time to time.

Having decided to play for CSKA Moscow during the NBA lockout, Kirilenko suffered a couple of injuries on Saturday that will sideline him for two or three games.

In a PBL clash with Krasnye Krylia, Kirilenko was playing help defense in the first quarter when he caught an accidental elbow to the head from Fedor Likholitov.

The veteran crashed to the floor, dazed.

When he eventually rolled over on his back to receive treatment from the CSKA medical staff, blood trickled from his eyebrow.

After having his head bandaged, Kirilenko walked groggily off the court.

There were fears he may have suffered a concussion but CSKA revealed otherwise.

"Doctors did not find a concussion," a statement said.

"At the same time, Andrei is diagnosed with broken nose which will be fixed in Moscow, and the cut on the left brow was stitched.

"The player will undergo an additional examination in GMS Clinic with special attention to his left shoulder he fell on.

"Kirilenko will be under close medical observance in the next days."

Kirilenko has been nothing short of sensational since his return to Russia.

Twice he has been voted Player of the Week in the Euroleague.

Just as he has done his entire career, Kirilenko has been an all-rounder for CSKA on offense and defense.

He is averaging 13.8 points, nine rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 3.2 blocks in the Euroleague.

His average ranking of 29.40 is the highest  in the competition, 3.20 better than Nancy's France's international Nicolas Batum who is second in the category.

If he had to, Kirilenko could play for CSKA in their next game but he said to the Russian media: "I do not think it necessary to force a return to the court.

"If there were a decisive game, for example, the Olympic Games - that is another matter …

"In principle, any player should be 100% ready. Otherwise, he will only hinder his team."

Kirilenko, who led Russia to the bronze medal at EuroBasket 2011, will be with Russia this next summer at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

FIBA