Zenit St Petersburg will go into Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Rangers weakened by the absence of top striker Pavel Pogrebnyak.

The 24-year-old Russian international, who is this season's UEFA Cup joint top scorer on 10 with Bayern Munich marksman Luca Toni, will miss the final after being booked in the semi-final second leg with the German champions.

However, Zenit manager Dick Advocaat insisted that the absence of his top striker would not sink his side's chances of a first European trophy.

"Pavel (Pogrebnyak) has performed well in European cups this season," Advocaat said. "I'm very pleased with his form. His absence is a serious loss but definitely not a tragedy for us."

"During this season we have repeatedly been forced to play without our top players, but nevertheless have managed to reach the final. I believe we can find a worthy substitution for Pogrebnyak."

Zenit, who were given a rest from the domestic league to better prepare for UEFA Cup final in Manchester, were holding their practice sessions in the Netherlands.

On Saturday they recorded a 2-2 draw in a friendly with the Dutch league side AZ Alkmaar.

Zenit trailed 2-0, but managed to draw level with defender Roman Shirokov and Pogrebnyak netting one apiece.

Despite Pogrebnyak's absence, Zenit will be able to call on a near full-strength squad with striker Andrei Arshavin and midfielders Radek Sirl and Fernando Ricksen having served suspensions in the return semi-final with Bayern.

AFP