Stars are poised to miss next week’s winner-takes-all match against Celtic.
The Kazakh underdogs are hoping to reach the Champions League promised land for the first time in their history after a 0-0 first leg draw at Parkhead.
But they’ll have to do it without injured first-choice goalkeeper Alexander Zarutsky.
The Kairat No. 1 was taken off hurt in the closing 15 minutes of Wednesday’s match in Glasgow, and according to Kazakhstan’s Sports24.KZ, the shotstopper will not recuperate in time for Tuesday’s £40 million shootout.
Temirlan Anarbekov, 21, a rookie deputy, replaced him between the sticks in Glasgow and is poised to be given the gloves.
Portuguese left-back Luis Mata and Georgian captain Giorgi Zaria are also out after missing the first leg.
In another significant boost for Brendan Rodgers’ side, Chelsea-bound wonderkid Dastan Satpayev is suspended after receiving an unnecessary 100th-minute booking for blocking Arne Engel’s free kick.
Meanwhile, Valeriy Gromyko plans to add to the Hoops’ anguish as they make the 3,500-mile voyage to the Asian outpost.
Celtic have played in Kazakhstan three times, Aberdeen and Scotland once, and Scotland Under-21s twice.
And Belarus international Gromyko stated: “I know Celtic have historically struggled to play in Kazakhstan. So we want to show the world that we can play good football, not simply defend.
“We played incredibly well in the second half at Glasgow, and we really halted everything. Let’s not forget that Celtic are a very excellent team that competes in the Champions League every year.
“They’re a speedy team, too, but we matched them. However, at home, in front of our fans, the game will be different.
“Every footballer’s dream is to make it to the Champions League main stage. Of course, we believe it.
Jorginho, Kairat’s Portuguese striker, has said that he wishes he could play at Parkhead for the remainder of his career.
He stated: “When you play in a stadium like that, you have to enjoy it. The atmosphere was incredible. This is what I want from my career. I want to play in stadiums like that every week.
“I was very happy of our performance at such a venue. It will not be much easier for us at home. So we need to heal and get ready for the next game.”
Leave a Reply