Sadigov says eight or nine Zira players are injured

Zira drew 1-1 with Shamakhi in the seventh round of the Misli Premier League. After the match, head coach Rashad Sadigov said it had been a tough game and that his team had failed to convert its scoring chances.

“The first half went well for us, but we could not take advantage of good opportunities. The opponent scored with a long-range shot. We equalised and had some good attacks, but unfortunately could not score a second goal. Given the difficulties we are facing at the moment, even earning a point was not easy,” Sadigov said.

Injury problems in the squad

According to the coach, several players have been unable to train with the team because of injuries and illness. Issa Cibrilla was injured while on international duty, Guima also picked up an injury, and Giorgi Papunashvili was unable to train for two weeks because of a fever. Sadigov said the congested fixture schedule may have contributed to the problems.

“Papunashvili had completed just one training session. Eren Aydin had too. For Legbo, this was his first game after an injury. Because of the shortage of players, we have to change our playing system and look for different options,” the head coach said.

Sadigov said Issa Cibrilla would be out for around two to three weeks. He added that eight or nine players in the squad were currently injured. The coach also said goalkeeper Anar Nezirov is the team’s third-choice goalkeeper this season and is helping the other goalkeepers.

Commenting on former goalkeeper Tiago Silva’s move to Shafa, Sadigov said the club had wanted him to stay and wished him success at his new club.