Turkey Head Coach, Fatih Terim is facing a selection headache ahead of Friday’s Euro 2008 quarter final against Croatia. Their comeback against the Czech Republic in the last 15 minutes was breathtaking but it was achieved at a cost. After the elation of victory, Terim heard the sobering news that he is likely to be without 7 players for the quarter final.

Young defender Emre Gungor and midfielder Tumer Metin have both been ruled out through injuries sustained against Switzerland. Gungor has hurt his calf muscle and was forced off after 63 minutes. Metin has missed a few training sessions over the last week with a niggling groin problem.

In addition, goalkeeper Volkan Demirel’s needless push on Czech striker Jan Koller in the last few minutes of the game has resulted in a two match suspension. His place is likely to force Terim to field veteran goalkeeper Rustu Recber on Friday. Finally, the game against Switzerland has cost Turkey the services of midfielder Mehmet Aurelio after he picked up a second yellow card. He receives an automatic one game ban.

Turkey have already been denied the services of playmaker Emre Belozoglu who is struggling with a groin problem and defender Gokhan Zan who has a knee problem. Both are doubtful for the quarter final.

As a result of these injuries, other players who perhaps would be allowed to rest if the injury crisis was not so bad will have to continue through the pain barrier.

Defender Servet Cetin has been struggling with hip and knee problems since the second group game and the goal scoring hero Nihat has a knock. However, both will be available for Friday.

Terim has said that a decision on those players who are doubtful will be taken later in the week pending the results of scans.