Euro 2008 Group E clash as Israel host Russia on Saturday, in a game all English fans will be keeping a close eye on. Click here for the latest odds!

Chelsea central defender Ricardo Carvalho has been ruled out of action for up to two months after suffering a spinal column injury during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Everton.

Portugal national team doctor Henrique Jones examined the injury and instantly ruled him out of their Euro 2008 qualifiers with Armenia and Finland.

“Ricardo has suffered fractures of the small bones on his second, third and fourth vertebrae and will be out for eight weeks,” he said.

The news will come as a major blow to Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who already has Petr Cech, John Terry and Paulo Ferreira sidelined.

Portugal are in a four way battle for the two qualifying positions in Group A – currently they lie second just a point behind leaders Poland, but just three points ahead of both Serbia and Finland.

Euro 2008 Group E clash as Israel host Russia on Saturday, in a game all English fans will be keeping a close eye on. Click here for the latest odds!