Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov has rested goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev for the team's first matches since reaching the World Cup quarterfinals.
Akinfeev, the hero of the penalty shootout win over Spain, is among 11 members of the World Cup squad who will be absent for the opening Nations League game in Turkey on Sept. 7 and a home friendly against the Czech Republic three days later.
First post WC Russia squad: