Finnish club FC Haka will be without star striker Valeri Popovitch for their Intertoto Cup second round, first leg tie against Fulham on Saturday due to his fear of flying.

The 32-year-old Russian is the club’s top scorer with seven goals in 12 matches this season, but he will be unable to help his team against Jean Tigana’s side as the two clubs battle for a place in the UEFA Cup.

Haka secured a 2-1 win in their first round, first leg away tie against Yugoslavian club Obilic without Popovitch and coach Olli Huttunen is confident his team can get a positive result in the first leg in London.

“We faired well in Yugoslavia against Oblic without Popovitch. He shouldn’t be taxed with tough trips,” said Huttunen.

“We have a good player situation at the moment so we will manage without him.”

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