Zenit St. Petersburg will be without several senior players including star striker Hulk for a Russian Premier League away game against Alania Vladikavkaz on Saturday, Zenit said Friday.
Brazil forward Hulk is suspended after reaching Russia’s yellow card limit with bookings in four of his five league games for Zenit since signing for €40 million last month.
Also left off a list of 18 players Zenit said had traveled to the game were midfielders Roman Shirokov and Igor Denisov and defender Domenico Criscito.
Zenit did not provide a reason for Shirokov and Denisov's absences, while Criscito told R-Sport his omission was an error.
"I am here with the team and if our head coach trusts me with a place on the pitch, thenn I'm ready to play and help out Zenit," the Italy left-back said.
Shirokov limped off after 76 minutes of Zenit's 1-0 win over Anderlecht in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Russia captain Denisov has not played for Zenit since arguing with management last month over the salaries paid to Hulk and Axel Witsel, another expensive new signing.
