In a recent development surrounding the Russian Premier League’s 30th round, Spartak Moscow goalkeeper Alexander Selikhov together with defender Alexis Duarte will not participate in the clash against Samara Wings due to a bout of cold weather. The decision was confirmed by Spartak’s communications team, and a representative from the club emphasized that the travel circumstances played a role in the players staying behind while the rest of the squad moved to Samara. The official line from the team’s press service explained that Selikhov and Duarte remained in Moscow to recover while the rest of the squad prepared for the away match, underscoring how travel conditions can influence team selection in tight schedules. The note also highlighted that both players were otherwise available for selection in recent fixtures, but illness forced a prudent approach to squad management. [attribution: Sport Express]
According to Spartak, the team assembled in Samara but chose to base themselves at a hotel on arrival, whereas Selikhov and Duarte remained in Moscow for treatment and rest. The club’s statement quoted the head of the Spartak press service, Dmitry Zelenov, who confirmed that both players had been struck by a cold. This kind of mid-season illness is not unusual in professional football, where congested fixtures and varied travel conditions can test player fitness. The situation illustrates how managers balance immediate match needs with long-term squad health, especially when a season demands depth in the goalkeeper line and defensive options. [attribution: Sport Express]
Looking back at the 2022/23 season, Selikhov contributed 28 appearances across all competitions for Spartak, while Duarte logged eight appearances. These figures reflect the depth and rotation within the squad as head coach Guillermo Abascal crafted a lineup to compete on multiple fronts. The current campaign has seen Spartak solidify their position in the upper part of the table, pushing hard for a silver medal at the end of the season thanks to steady results, disciplined defending, and an evolving attacking plan. The performance narrative surrounding Selikhov and Duarte underscores the importance of reliable depth in Russian football’s elite division, where every match carries significant implications for European qualification prospects and domestic pride. [attribution: Sport Express]
Entering the penultimate round, Spartak sits in third place with a tally that reflects 15 victories, nine draws, and five losses, totaling 54 points. The mix of wins and draws has kept the club in the mix for a podium finish, while goals scored and conceded over the campaign demonstrate the competitiveness of Abascal’s squad. The pursuit of the RPL silver medal remains attainable but is tightly contested, with every remaining fixture carrying weight as teams jockey for position. The current standings also spotlight the delicate balance between attack and defense in a league that rewards consistency and tactical flexibility. [attribution: Sport Express]
CSKA Moscow occupies the runner-up spot with 55 points, and they are preparing for a home clash against Rostov, who sit just behind them on 53 points. Rostov’s position in the table means the match in Round 30 is more than a routine fixture; it presents a real opportunity for Rostov to close the gap and perhaps challenge for a top-three finish if results align in their favor. The dynamic between these clubs in the closing stages of the season underscores how margins are slim and the margin for error is minimal in this high-stakes phase. The narrative around the title race and European slots remains highly fluid as teams navigate fatigue, injuries, and tactical shifts. [attribution: Sport Express]
Former Spartak player Evgeny Bushmanov weighed in on the battle for second place, offering insights into the competitive tension shaping the Russian Premier League’s late-season drama. His perspective highlighted how squads must adapt quickly to changing forms, maintain discipline at critical moments, and leverage squad depth to capitalize on opportunities in the run-in. Bushmanov’s comments, like many pundit assessments, reflect the broader mood around the league as teams seek momentum entering the finale and aim to secure superior league positioning ahead of next season’s campaigns. [attribution: Sport Express]