Russia has suffered a major blow as it heads into this weekend's Fed Cup semi final clash with the United States of America. World number two Maria Sharapova has announced she will be unavailable to play in the important tie, which again sees Venus and Serena Williams take their place on the American team. It is unknown what her injury actually involves, however Sharapova has been suffering a shoulder injury since April, forcing her out of several tournaments before Roland Garros. The 20 year old is yet to play for her country after announcing she would make her debut in this year's Fed Cup. Elena Vesnina who is currently ranked 58 in the world will replace Sharapova in the team.

Svetlana Kuznetsova is also in doubt for the Russians and Alla Kudryavtseva, currently ranked 66 has been put on standby for the 2004 US Open champion. Like Sharapova, Kuznetsova is also suffering from a nagging shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, Sam Stosur has withdrawn from Australia's Fed Cup World Group II playoff against Ukraine due to a virus she caught at Wimbledon. The Gold Coast native was set to spearhead her country's campaign infront of her local crowd at the Royal Pines Resort in Queensland. West Australian Casey Dellacqua (ranked 101) is her replacement.