Artem Dzyuba on handling injury, form, and a season of renewal with Lokomotiv Moscow
Artem Dzyuba, a commanding presence up front for Lokomotiv Moscow, spoke with candor about his recent injury in the wake of the club’s second-round clash with Fakel. He faced the setback with quiet resolve, acknowledging that the layoff was frustrating yet manageable. He underscored the unwavering support from the club and from fans, framing his return to action as a collaborative journey shaped by encouragement both on and off the field. Dzyuba also praised Voronezh for its match-day atmosphere, calling the city a lively, welcoming backdrop for top-tier football. He described the off-pitch environment as open and celebratory, with devoted supporters and a buzzing mood that made playing there genuinely enjoyable. His reflections carried gratitude and a steadfast commitment to reaching peak performance while balancing recovery with competition. He highlighted the trip’s positives, including smooth travel arrangements and the warmth shown by the local crowd, which offered encouragement during his rehabilitation on the road to full fitness.
The calendar turned to February as Dzyuba entered a new chapter with Lokomotiv. Before joining the club, he spent a spell with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, a stint that lasted only a few months before the contract was mutually terminated. Returning to Russian football, the striker quickly reaffirmed his enduring quality on the domestic stage. In his initial return to the Russian championship, Dzyuba contributed eight goals and five assists across eleven appearances, showing his ability to influence matches from the front line with both scoring prowess and creative playmaking. The effort and experience he brought helped Lokomotiv bolster their attacking options in a league that prizes physical presence and versatility up front. As the season progressed, he added another dimension to his impact, scoring one goal in three league fixtures and opening his account in the Russian Cup as well. He displayed no signs of fatigue despite the demanding rhythm of professional football.
On August 8, a scheduled clash against Rubin left him unavailable, with the club confirming the absence due to reasons tied to his ongoing form and fitness trajectory rather than a long-term injury. That period around the fixture provided valuable moments for assessment, allowing coaches to gauge how he could fit into the team’s evolving tactical plans and how his experience might guide younger forwards within the squad. In discussions about the club’s veteran squad, questions about the trajectory of Dzyuba’s career arose, reflecting the broader context of age, recovery dynamics, and the shifting competitive landscape of the league. The narrative around seasoned strikers adapting to seasons demanding both consistency and selective peak performances was evident in the conversations. Supporters point to his proven track record, leadership qualities, and the ability to influence games in varied roles as evidence that his career remains in a phase of renewal rather than decline. With each appearance, the striker continued to contribute in meaningful ways, offering physical presence and decisive moments that can tilt matches in Lokomotiv’s favor. Analysts and fans alike monitor signs of a sustained comeback, especially in high-stakes fixtures where his experience can shape tempo, build-up play, and finishing efficiency. The ongoing assessment considers current statistics alongside the strategic value his presence brings to the squad in terms of morale, rotation options, and the preparation of younger attackers who look to him for guidance and example.