Igdisamov reports progress in Akinfeev's recovery but gives no return date

CSKA coach Dmitry Igdisamov said Igor Akinfeev's recovery is progressing but declined to set a return date in an interview published by Sport-Express on October 10.

Igdisamov said he had recently spoken to the goalkeeper and could see his desire to help the team on the pitch again. Recovery is moving forward gradually, the coach said.

The coaching staff will not field Akinfeev before treatment is complete. Igdisamov said the team is waiting until the goalkeeper can contribute and perform at his usual consistently high level.

Explaining his caution over dates, the coach cited Voronov, whose recovery took longer than initially expected. Akinfeev's progress is monitored every day, he said.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper was injured towards the end of last season and has not played a match in the current campaign. Igdisamov described him as an important leader whose presence the team needs.