Igor Semshov, a former member of the Russian national squad, argues that the chatter around Zenit St. Petersburg and their Russian forward Maxim Glushenkov has been overblown. The veteran midfielder notes that the conversation tends to elevate Glushenkov beyond his actual level, even as the team benefits from his presence. Semshov reminds fans that Glushenkov is not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, and that there are other players in Zenit who can fill in if needed. He acknowledges Glushenkov started the season on a high note, but cautions that the praise has grown too loud. Semshov also points out that while Glushenkov recently endured an injury, Zenit has capable alternatives ready to step in, highlighting the ever-present importance of squad depth in ambitious clubs.
On August 19, Glushenkov was impacted by a hand injury that required surgery after a round five match in the Russian Premier League against Khimki near Moscow. The 24-year-old midfielder will undergo a procedure to insert a metal pin into his right hand and is expected to be out for a few weeks as the radius fracture heals. Medical updates indicate the recovery window is roughly three to four weeks, during which time Zenit will rely on its other attacking options to maintain momentum in the league. This setback comes at a moment when Glushenkov had shown strong form since joining Zenit from Lokomotiv in June 2024, having appeared in four league matches prior to the Khimki fixture and contributing seven goals and one assist in those appearances.
Glushenkov’s move to Zenit followed his departure from Lokomotiv in mid-2024, a transfer that positioned him to compete at the top level of Russian football. His early impact sparked talk about how the squad would integrate a player with international experience and demonstrated potential to grow into a regular starter. The reaction from pundits and supporters alike has included a debate about whether Glushenkov should be singled out for national team consideration. Several voices—spanning fans, analysts, and former players—have argued that public indignation over his national call-up is excessive, while others contend that his continued development warrants close attention. The broader context is that Russian football, like many national programs, weighs a mix of talent, readiness, and form when deciding call-ups, and Glushenkov remains a player with noticeable upside, should his form and fitness align with national plans. Critics have suggested that patience is a more prudent approach, given the competitive nature of the league and the rapid pace at which players must adapt to high-pressure roles on big stages.