Lokomotiv Moscow’s sports director, Dmitry Ulyanov, outlined why Artem Dzyuba did not accompany the squad for the Russian Cup Regions Road quarterfinal against Akron from Tolyatti, a First Division side. The reason given was a microtrauma stemming from a prior injury that had affected him in both his time with Akhmat Grozny and in the most recent match. Could he be ready for the upcoming game in Krasnodar? Ulyanov affirmed that he would be available, noting optimism about his recovery and readiness for the next challenge.
The Akron versus Lokomotiv clash is taking place in Zhigulevsk, with the home team holding a 1-0 lead at the moment. Dzyuba opened his season with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, a stint that ended with the termination of his contract a few months later. Returning to his hometown on the market as a free agent, the striker engaged in lengthy negotiations with several Russian Premier League clubs. The media had linked him with bids from Torpedo and Paris Nizhny Novgorod, but the final choice saw him joining Lokomotiv Moscow.
Dzyuba demonstrated his striking prowess early for Lokomotiv, scoring a hat-trick in his first league match against Rostov. In the following round, he stepped up to the captaincy due to Stanislav Magkeev missing the action in a match against Akhmat, taking on the captaincy duties as his teammates supported him on the field. The decision highlighted Dzyuba’s leadership role within the squad and the trust placed in him by the club leadership and his peers.
In related commentary, Leonid Tufrin, formerly at Zenit, weighed in on a recent interview where Dzyuba described Lokomotiv as a team from the Neva region in a manner that suggested personal tensions with the city of Saint Petersburg. The remarks were seen as provocative by some, underscoring the intensity of discussions around the club and its relationships with regional rivals and fans. Across the league, observers noted that Dzyuba has continually asserted his pride in representing Lokomotiv and his determination to contribute at a high level, regardless of the media narratives surrounding the team. The ongoing dialogue around his public comments and on-field leadership has kept him in the center of attention as the season progresses, with supporters watching closely how his form and resilience translate into results for Lokomotiv Moscow.
Looking ahead, the club remains hopeful about Dzyuba’s full recovery from the current microtrauma. Coaches and medical staff are aligned on a careful return-to-play plan that balances the need to compete at a high level with the imperative to prevent a relapse. Lokomotiv’s strategic approach to the injury underscores a broader emphasis on player welfare, squad depth, and tactical flexibility as the season unfolds. Supporters can expect continued updates on Dzyuba’s status as he trains and gradually re-enters competitive action, aiming to strengthen Lokomotiv’s goal-scoring options in the months ahead.