Valery Karpin, the head coach of the Russia national team, indicated that Artem Dzyuba, the Lokomotiv striker, will not be summoned to the squad in the near term. The decision is not framed by age alone but rests on assessments of football readiness and form. In recent remarks, Karpin suggested that the door remains open if Dzyuba resumes consistent, high-quality performances and maintains impact from a distance through goals and assists.
Karpin noted that plans to call him up had been considered on at least two occasions. However, the forward reported feeling unprepared on both counts—first physically and then due to family considerations. This sequence influenced the coaching staff’s stance at the moment, and there is a broader context in the team’s policy that is shaping selection criteria features. The coach also hinted at a broader shift in philosophy, indicating that players above a certain age may face steeper scrutiny and potential exclusion from the national team roster based on current performance metrics and strategic needs.
The last appearance of Dzyuba for Russia came at the European Championship in June 2021. He stands as a joint all-time top scorer for the national team, tied with Alexander Kerzhakov, each recording 30 goals in national team history. In the domestic league, Dzyuba has found the back of the net three times across two matches since his return to the Russian Premier League, signaling that he remains a credible goal threat at club level even if international opportunities are currently limited.
For the March international window, Karpin leaned on a younger attacking trio, entrusting responsibilities to Alexander Sobolev from Spartak, Konstantin Tyukavin from Dynamo Moscow, and Nikolai Komlichenko from Rostov. The shift suggests an emphasis on current form and development potential, aligning with a broader strategic approach to rebuild depth in the forward line while maintaining competitive standards on the international stage.
Beyond the field, Karpin’s remarks have stirred discussion about how Russia’s national team leadership evaluates talent and plans for continuity amid changing teams, coaching staff, and competitive landscapes. The conversations reflect a broader trend in national-team management where age-related considerations intersect with performance data, injury status, team balance, and long-term planning. As the team moves forward, observers will watch whether Dzyuba remains a forward with a path back to international duty or if the coaching staff’s evolving criteria gradually widen opportunities for emerging players who demonstrate consistent impact in domestic and European competitions.