RUS – CSKA backs are against the wall ahead of Olimpija visit

MOSCOW (Euroleague) - CSKA Moscow have had such a difficult start to the season with injuries and defeats that the club has appealed to the fans to stay behind team.

The team, which lost all three of its games in the Euroleague, has written a letter and published it on the CSKA website.

"We hope that you all will continue to support us," the letter says.

"Believe us, we know that as a professional athletes we have to take some hits both mentally and physically.

"We hope to grow and build from it and continue a great tradition here at CSKA."

CSKA are without center Sasha Kaun, who recently underwent knee surgery in the United States, and Ramunas Siskauskas (back).

There is good news for the team’s fans, however, with superstar forward Viktor Khryapa finally expected to suit up and play against undefeated Union Olimpija (3-0) on Wednesday after missing the early part of the season with an injury.

"We expect a very motivated opponent who will do anything for the win," Olimpija coach Jure Zdovc said.

"They are still a great team, in my opinion one of the best ones in Europe.

"Of course, they have also an excellent coach."

The CSKA coach is Dusko Vujosevic and he knows CSKA have a huge task in front of them.

"It would be difficult to play against them in any situation, but especially now that we are under big pressure after starting the Euroleague season 0-3 and Olimpija being 3-0."

Another intriguing contest on Wednesday sees Fenerbahce Ulker hosting Montepaschi Siena in a battle of unbeatens.

Other games: Olympiacos v Spirou Charleroi, Asseco Prokom v Partizan Belgrade, Caja Laboral v Zalgiris and Unicaja Malaga v Virtus Roma.

FIBA