Greece’s Holebas out for Euro 2016 qualifiers

Jose-Holebas-Greece

Jose Holebas, second left, in action for Greece. (Andrew Medichini/AP)

ATHENS — Greece defender Jose Holebas has been ruled out of European Championship qualifiers against Finland and Northern Ireland after picking up a groin injury in a weekend Serie A match.

The 30-year-old left winger, a World Cup standout for Greece this year, has been replaced by Kostas Giannoulis of Olympiakos.

Holebas, who moved to Roma this season, was hurt in Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Juventus.

It is the second injury substitution since Greece announced its squad to face Group F rivals Finland on Saturday and Northern Ireland three days later. Defender Avraam Papadopoulos is out because of a cheekbone injury, while Udinese midfileder Panagiotis Kone is doubtful.

Greece lost its group opener to Romania 1-0 at home.

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