Artem Dzyuba is set to make his long-awaited return to the Russian national football team this March, marking his first call-up since 2021. The announcement came from Alexander Dyukov, President of the Russian Football Union (RFU), who emphasized the head coach Valery Karpin's decision as pivotal for the team.
According to Dyukov, "The call-up of Dzyuba to the national team is the decision of Karpin. He commented on it. He believes Artem deserves the call-up. I did not influence this decision." This statement sheds light on Karpin's commitment to revitalizing the team with experienced players.
Dzyuba is expected to play pivotal roles as Russia prepares for two friendly matches: one against Granada on March 19 and the second against Zambia on March 25. Both matches will take place at Moscow's Dynamo Stadium. These games are anticipated to serve as key opportunities for the national team to assess their strategies as they gear up for future competitions.
Karpin's pushing for Dzyuba’s inclusion is not just based on his playing ability; it also aims to draw fans back to the stadium. His experience may not only bolster the team's on-field performance but also reinvigorate supporter engagement. Karpin stated, "The main thing is to get the team ready for the upcoming matches. A call for experienced players like Dzyuba can help us build confidence." This reflects his strategic approach to leadership, relying on seasoned players to guide the team.
While Dzyuba’s return is celebrated, not all news from the Russian training camp is positive. Karpin also revealed concerns about Lokomotiv’s forward Sergei Pinyaev, stating he is unlikely to join the national team due to injury. Pinyaev was substituted out during Lokomotiv's recent game against Dynamo, after feeling discomfort in the back of his thigh. Mikhail Galaktionov, the head coach of Lokomotiv, reported, "Pinyaev felt discomfort in the back of his thigh and will undergo medical examination." This news puts Pinyaev’s participation against Granada and Zambia under question.
The March friendlies provide Russia with significant preparation time, but the uncertainty surrounding player availability poses questions about Karpin's lineup. Dzyuba's involvement could inject much-needed experience and leadership, helping to solidify the team's tactics and morale. Fans, alongside the coaching staff, await these matches with eager anticipation, hoping for positive outcomes.
With the backdrop of Dzyuba’s comeback and Pinyaev’s injury, the team's dynamics will be closely watched as they navigate these upcoming outings. Karpin and his squad are gearing up to showcase their progress and strategy against international opponents, all eyes will be on the pitch as they strive for successful performances.
The anticipation builds as Russia looks to reclaim its standing on the international football stage, with Dzyuba at the helm of this exciting new chapter. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will influence the team's cohesion, performance, and, effectively, their ability to draw crowds back to the stadium.