Russia head coach Stanislav Cherchesov said he was glad his team's striker Artem Dzyuba had got into shape by the start of the home World Cup.
Dzyuba lost his place in the starting lineup for his side Zenit St. Petersburg last season before joining FC Arsenal Tula on loan and getting his first Russia call-up since 2016 in May.
The 29-year-old has scored three goals at this summer's tournament so far, netting his first-ever World Cup goal in the opening match against Saudi Arabia to help his side claim a 5-0 win.
"If he did not conform with [the level of] the national team, he wouldn't be in the squad. We're glad he has got into good shape by the beginning of the tournament. We all know that he gives us extra power," Cherchesov told journalists.
The World Cup will continue until July 15, with the final set to take place at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.
International news source
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