Alexander Gorshkov, the former Zenit St. Petersburg forward, along with Le Havre midfielder Daler Kuzyaev and Monaco midfielder Alexander Golovin, have been named to Russia’s national team for the upcoming November training camp. This decision reflects the coaching staff’s intent to evaluate available talent across both domestic and international leagues as the team prepares for key fixtures in the late autumn window.
Commenting on the choice to bring in players based abroad, Gorshkov emphasized the value of assembling the strongest possible squad. He noted that inviting European-based players offers an opportunity to gauge the team’s true potential when everything is at stake, providing a meaningful benchmark for the coaching staff and the players themselves. In his view, if the leading players can participate and contribute, it adds up to a significant plus given the current circumstances surrounding the program.
Gorshkov also highlighted the positive effects of presence and dialogue within the squad. He argued that this is not merely a friendly exercise but a chance to address the internal dynamics of the national team, refine group cohesion, and accelerate tactical understanding. With a condensed preparation timeline, he described the period as unexpectedly enjoyable for the players and coaches alike, offering both practical training value and the intangible benefit of improved team chemistry. The emphasis, he explained, rests on constant communication, which helps the squad align on pressing roles and responsibilities as they head into competition.
Meanwhile, the Russian Football Union released an official update on November 7 confirming the scope of the national team’s November gathering. The report underscored the federation’s commitment to testing a wide range of players, with the aim of identifying the best possible XI for future fixtures. This procedural step sets the stage for a focused, high-intensity camp designed to maximize tactical preparation in a short period.
Looking ahead, Russia’s squad under head coach Valery Karpin is slated to take on the Cuban national team in a friendly encounter in Volgograd on November 20. The kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 Moscow time, a window that promises a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their form against international opposition while the coaching staff continues to refine strategies and personnel choices ahead of more demanding autumn and winter fixtures.
In a parallel note, Andrei Arshavin previously stated his disengagement from the national team, a stance noted in coverage of the team’s evolving selection strategy. The dialogue surrounding player availability and national team participation remains a topic of interest for supporters and pundits, illustrating the broader debate about how best to balance domestic form, international duty, and the evolving landscape of European-based talent within the Russian squad. The current camp and upcoming friendly will be watched for indications of how this balance might shift as the season progresses, influencing both selection decisions and tactical planning.