Sergei Semak "excluded" Alips from the "Zenith" squad

Why was Alips excluded from the Zenit squad?

Zenit head coach Sergei Semak commented on the absence of defender Nuno Rocha and midfielder Magomed Ozdoev in the team's application for the match of the 12th round of the Russian Premier League against Khimki, which will be played on September 18. Both players missed the last match of the Europa League group stage with Malmö and 3 matches of the Russian championship: with Krylia Sovetov (1:0), Nizhny Novgorod (2:1) and Arsenal (0:1).

Semak's comment

"Ozdoev and Rocha have minor injuries. We decided not to risk it, so they will not play today. Alipa was removed from the squad for disciplinary reasons. This is a closed issue for me. Everything will be resolved within the team. No need to go into details. Alipov will continue to work and train. You have the right to your opinion. I have mine," Semak said at a press conference before the match.

Alips' statistics at Zenit

Alips has played 51 games for Zenit since joining the club from Akhmat Grozny in 2019, scoring one goal and providing seven assists. He has also made 11 appearances for the Russian national team, scoring one goal.

Semak's decision to exclude Alips from the squad is likely to be a blow to Zenit's hopes of winning the Russian Premier League title this season. The club is currently third in the table, six points behind leaders CSKA Moscow.