How Russia could line up against Belgium

The 34-year-old defender was forced to miss the team's recent friendly victory over Bulgaria due to a calf problem and will not be ready for the weekend, but Russia are otherwise good to go for their clash on familiar territory in St Petersburg.

Kudrayshov's absence guarantees starts in defence for Georgiy Dzhikiya and Andrei Semenov, while Dmitri Barinov could also deputise after facial injuries sustained in the win over Bulgaria were not deemed to be serious.

Mario Fernandes will hope to force his way back into the team over Vyacheslav Karavaev on the right, while 37-year-old Yuri Zhirkov could lose his place on the opposite flank to Daler Kuzyaev.

There were initial doubts over midfielder Roman Zobnin but he is good to go for this game, and he should be partnered in midfield by Zenit St Petersburg's Magomed Ozdoev, who is now set to step foot onto the Gazprom Arena turf in Russia colours.

Two highly-regarded playmakers in Monaco's Aleksandr Golovin and Aleksey Miranchuk of Atalanta should provide support to the lone striker, who will be none other than the prolific Artem Dzyuba.

The 32-year-old is one goal away from becoming Russia's joint-top goalscorer of all time - an accolade currently held by Aleksandr Kerzhakov - and his 14 goal contributions in qualifying could only be beaten by Harry Kane.

Russia possible starting lineup: Shunin; Barinov, Dzhikiya, Semenov; Fernandes, Zobnin, Ozdoev, Kuzyaev; Miranchuk, Golovin; Dzyuba