Three straight losses in the PBL regular championship are adding to our team’s responsibility in the next game. There is nowhere to step back, so the win over visiting Triumph is necessary as the breath of nostrils to the army men.
Coaching staff is unable to gather two fives of the players who stay on active roster of the main team. Due to doctors’ verdict (heart problems) Matjaz Smodis is given a one-week rest. JR Holden (leg) and Victor Khryapa (ankle) continue to rehabilitate after injuries, Sasha Kaun (back) is just started to practice. Artem Zabelin is still experiencing pains in his knee, he missed part of the practices, so he is questionable for the game.
“The number of injured players is above all limits”, - CSKA interim coach Dmitry Shakulin said. “We have three junior team players who practice with the team regularly. In this conditions, after three PBL losses in a row everyone should be focused on fulfilling the team plan and showing maximum of his abilities. Triumph is not an easy opponent; the team is a good combination of experienced and young players. The team is able to beat the favorites because of mental preparation, and the game vs Khimki proved that.”
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