Adrian Rus to miss return leg against Ararat-Armenia

Universitatea Craiova centre-back Adrian Rus will be unavailable for the second leg of the Europa League play-off round against Ararat-Armenia.

The Romanian defender suffered an injury in the domestic league match against Voluntari, which the Craiova side won 3-1. The injury is expected to keep him out for around a month.

Rus’ absence could be a major problem for the Romanian club. The defender has played every minute of the team’s European campaign this season and plays an important role in building attacks from the back. Of Craiova’s three centre-backs, Rus was the one who most frequently initiated the team’s attacks. He has also registered one goal and one assist in European competition this season.

Serbian defender Nikola Stevanovic is expected to replace Rus in the starting line-up. Until now, Stevanovic has mainly featured in domestic league matches.

The second leg of the Europa League play-off tie between Ararat-Armenia and Universitatea Craiova will take place in Yerevan on August 27, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time.

The first leg in Romania ended in a 1-1 draw.