In the 20th week of the Russian Premier League, CSKA Moscow has announced that Wilmar Barrios and Ivan Sergeyev will miss the upcoming matchup against Zenit St. Petersburg. The decision came during a briefing led by Zenit’s head coach Sergei Semak, outlining their plans for the squad ahead of the international window.
Semak indicated that the duo would be eased back into action after the international break. Sergeyev, referred to as Vanya in the briefing, could be available a bit sooner than Barrios, who would rejoin team duties a little later. The coach emphasized that both players are expected to be integrated once the international fixtures conclude, with their returns contingent on fitness and recovery progress.
Conversations from the press service of Zenit echoed this timeline. Semak stressed that after the break, during the first round of league play following the international pause, the team hopes to have them ready for selection. The plan is to gradually rebuild squad cohesion and ensure both players are fully match-fit before re-entering competitive duties.
The upcoming clash between CSKA and Zenit is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, at the VEB Arena. The whistle is set to blow at 19:30 Moscow time, a pivotal moment as Zenit seeks to defend their top spot in the standings while CSKA eyes a potential climb up the table with a positive result.
Even if the result does not alter Zenit’s position at the summit, the outcome carries significance for CSKA as it could create a pathway to advance as high as fourth place, depending on how the other fixtures unfold. This encounter, therefore, represents more than a routine league fixture; it is a strategic test for both teams as they navigate a critical phase in the season.
Earlier announcements also noted the results of the draw for the first stage of the Russian Cup Regions Road, marking the 1/2 finals. The broader context of the domestic calendar adds layers of planning for both clubs as they balance league ambitions with cup commitments and the ongoing process of integrating players returning from international duty.
As the teams prepare, attention remains on how Suits of the squad will adjust to the absence of Barrios and Sergeyev, and how their replacements will complement Zenit’s established system. The match at VEB Arena promises a compelling narrative, with Zenit aiming to maintain their leadership and CSKA pursuing a strategic milestone in the closing stretch of the season.