The Russia national team has reportedly not viewed the Lokomotiv Moscow striker as a viable option for the squad, with the player’s age cited at 34. This stance was reported by Sport Express and reflects ongoing planning as the federation prepares for upcoming fixtures and training camps.
On March 6, the Russian Football Union issued an expanded roster for the March camp, signaling two friendly matches within the international window. The roster blends seasoned internationals with promising newcomers, underscoring the federation’s intent to evaluate options across positions while balancing experience with youth. Notable inclusions include Alexander Golovin, who is with Monaco, and Alexei Miranchuk, who represents Torino. Their presence signals a strategy to pair consistent performers at the highest level with newer talents as Russia gears up for qualification campaigns and friendly engagements alike.
The federation announced a friendly scheduled in Tehran on March 23, bringing together Iran and Russia in a tactical rehearsal for upcoming regional commitments. Reports also indicated another fixture on March 27, with the Russian side set to play Iraq at the Fisht stadium in Sochi. These matches are part of a larger plan to maintain competitive rhythm for the national team while navigating the complexities of international calendars and the backdrop of sanctions and geopolitics in global football participation.
Looking at the broader context, the spring of 2022 saw FIFA and UEFA suspend Russia from borderless competitions under their purview, a decision that has shaped the national team’s calendar, selection dynamics, and opportunities to compete on the world stage. That suspension continues to influence squad planning, travel considerations, and the path players take to demonstrate readiness for international duty amid challenging geopolitical circumstances. In this setting, every selection carries additional weight as coaches strive to maximize performance within a constrained international framework and to provide robust representation for Russian football on the global arena.
Artem Dzyuba, the former Lokomotiv striker, spoke openly about his views on the current squad composition and the team’s direction. Dzyuba has been noted for goal scoring prowess, highlighted by a recent hat trick in the Russian Premier League against Rostov. This standout domestic form underscores the ongoing tension between delivering immediate impact at home and fitting into the national team’s long term strategy, particularly as coaches weigh whether veteran leadership can be balanced with younger assets capable of sustaining performance across multiple cycles of international fixtures. The discussions around selection always hinge on current form, fitness assessments, and the adaptable roles players can fill in different tactical setups. It remains to be seen how these factors will influence final decisions for the upcoming national team engagements and the broader program in the months ahead.