Nihat leaves as Turkey put brave face on player plight

VIENNA (AFP) — Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci has left his team's base in Vienna to return to Spain for treatment on the injured right thigh which has ruled him out of Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final with Germany.

The Turkish Football Association announced that the Villarreal forward, who picked up the injury in Friday's quarter-final win over Croatia, had said goodbye to his teammates on Sunday.

The 28-year-old has played a pivotal role in getting Turkey this far in the competition, his two late goals against the Czech Republic earning them a place in the quarter-finals.

"Before going, he sent his best wishes to the squad and wished them victory against Germany," the TFF website said.

Turkey manager Fatih Terim is grappling with a player crisis with nine first team members either suspended or injured, those that are fit took part in a ...