Valery Karpin and his coaching group expanded the pool of players for the Russian national team by inviting six new talents to join the September training camp. This update comes from an official release by the Russian Football Union and is being carried by the federation’s communications channels to ensure transparency about squad selections and training plans.
The upcoming squad will feature Mikhail Kerzhakov and Alexander Kovalenko, both players from Zenit, as well as Nikita Saltykov, Vladislav Shitov, Danila Prokhin, and Daniil Kuznetsov. Kerzhakov and Kovalenko bring experience from one of Russia’s strongest clubs, while Saltykov and Shitov are rising names with increasing involvement at the domestic level. Prokhin represents Rostov, a club known for fostering young talent, and Kuznetsov plays for Rubin. These selections replace Edgar Sevikyan, a Paris Saint-Germain product who opted to represent Armenia rather than Russia, as well as Evgeny Morozov, Vladimir Khubulov, and Sergey Babkin, who missed the camp due to medical reasons. Nikita Krivtsov and Alexander Chernikov were also noted in the update as part of ongoing squad adjustments. The focus remains on creating a cohesive unit that can compete at a high level while integrating fresh energy from new call ups. (RFU)
In September, the Russian national team is scheduled to play three matches as part of the lead up to the next competitive phase. The plan includes a dual-date engagement with the U23 national team on the seventh and eleventh of September in Egypt. This pairing offers an opportunity for the senior group to gain rhythm against a closely matched side and to evaluate team chemistry under competitive conditions. Following those fixtures, the team will meet the Qatar national team on the twelfth of September. The matchups are designed to test tactical ideas, provide minutes to a broad pool of players, and assess how well the squad handles travel, scheduling, and different tactical environments. Kick-off times will be announced closer to the match days. (RFU)
It is noted that the Russian national team is not currently participating in FIFA organized tournaments due to a sanction that affects federation competitions. This has shaped the team’s preparation strategy, emphasizing friendlies and training camps to maintain form, build cohesion, and identify the best combinations for future qualifiers and fixtures. The coaching staff remains focused on continuity and development, balancing the experience of established players with the potential shown by newcomers. (RFU)
Historically, adjustments like these reflect Russia’s approach to squad management, where leadership and tactical flexibility play key roles. A notable context is the movement of players such as Alexander Golovin, who has previously taken part in campaigns with the national team and situations where transfer and eligibility dynamics influenced selection patterns. The current strategy continues that tradition, aiming to maximize performance while integrating homegrown talent and players from the domestic league. (RFU)