The 31-year-old, who has earned 19 Russia caps since 2016, used to don a mohawk until recently but faced journalists on Friday with his head shaved bald.

When asked about his new hairstyle, Kudryashov joked that he had lost all his hair, possibly due to stress.

"I will be only happy if my look frightens the opponents," the player added.

He also said that the team had analysed Saudi Arabia's attacking line ahead of the World Cup opening match set to be played in Moscow on 14 June.

Russia will also play Egypt and Uruguay in Group A at the World Cup.