Spartak's third-choice keeper to face Benfica

"Unfortunately, Pesyakov's original diagnosis of a suspected foot fracture was confirmed this afternoon," Spartak spokesman Alexei Matveyev said on Monday.

Pesyakov, who was in goal for Spartak's 3-2 home defeat by Celtic in this month's tie, suffered the injury in a 2-1 loss to Russian league leaders Anzhi Makhachkala on Saturday.

Spartak's first-choice keeper Andriy Dykan, who played in last month's 3-2 defeat by Barcelona, is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Spartak's Spanish coach Unai Emery, however, expressed faith in 28-year-old Rebrov, who has seen little action for the Moscow club since joining last year and has never played in European competition.

"It's not like Rebrov has been without any match practice this season as he has played for our reserve team," Emery told reporters on Monday.

Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike, who scored both of Spartak's goals against Celtic and is the club's leading scorer this season, is a doubtful starter against Benfica with a sore back. "We'll make a decision if he could play tomorrow after tonight's training," said Emery.

The Muscovites already have several key players out with injury in addition to Dykan and Pesyakov, including captain Sergei Parshivlyuk, Brazil midfielder Romulo, Ireland winger Aiden McGeady and leading striker Welliton.

Barcelona top the standings on six points, ahead of Celtic (four), Benfica (one) and Spartak (zero).

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed