Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Ozdoev to miss Malta qualifier

Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Magomed Ozdoev will not be part of the Russia national team that will be travelling to Malta on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Malta at the National Stadium.

The 28-year-old midfielder was named in Russia’s initial squad for their opening three World Cup qualifiers. However, the Russian FA said on Monday that the player will remain behind to continue receving treatment on an injury.

“Russian national team midfielder Magomed Ozdoev continues to train according to the individual programme given to him,” a statement said.

“Today he spent part of his training on the football field, and part in the gym.”

In his career, Ozdoev has made 24 appearances for the national team and has scored four goals.

Meanwhile, the Russian national team have underwent the mandatory COVID-19 swab tests ahead of their flight to Malta for Wednesday’s qualifier.

In a statement the Russian FA said that all players and members of the coaching staff had returned a negative test and will board a flight to Malta this evening.

“The results of the PCR testing carried out on the eve of the PCR test did not reveal among the members of the Russian national team infected with a new coronavirus infection,” the Russian FA said.

“Today the national team will fly from Sochi to Malta, where on March 24 they will play the World Cup 2022 qualifying match against the national team of this country.”