Overview
- The national team reached St. Petersburg after travel delays to face Russia on November 12 at Gazprom Arena, then Chile on November 18 in Sochi, with Joao Grimaldo ruled out through injury.
- In Peru, the Russia match will air on Movistar Deportes with free-to-air coverage on América TV and ATV, with streaming via Movistar Play and tvGO.
- Nürnberg defender Fabio Gruber has linked up with the camp for his debut opportunity, telling Bild he is “a bit nervous” and that he is focused solely on football during the Russia trip.
- Club coach Miroslav Klose praised Gruber as a natural leader strong in one‑on‑ones and composed in buildup play.
- The call-ups reflect Manuel Barreto’s drive to broaden the player pool with dual‑eligible talent, drawing commentary from figures such as Johan Fano, while Russia great Aleksandr Mostovoi predicted a comfortable home win.