--- title: "Ponomarenko Misses Ukraine Training: MRI to Determine if Dynamo Forward Plays in Nations League" description: "Dynamo striker Matviy Ponomarenko missed Ukraine's training session in Uzhhorod due to an injury sustained in the 'Classico' against Shakhtar. Andrea Maldera has ordered an MRI for the forward ahead of Nations League matches on November 14 and 17." date: 2026-11-09T14:18:34.519Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ponomarenko-misses-ukraine-training-mri tags: [ukraine-national-team, kyiv-dynamo, nations-league, matvey-ponomarenko, andrea-moldera, football-injury] author: "Andrey Kosynko" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Ponomarenko Misses Ukraine Training: MRI to Determine if Dynamo Forward Plays in Nations League ![Footballer Matviy Ponomarenko in a Dynamo shirt with the Ukrainian flag draped over his shoulders](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/09/ponomarenko-propustil-trenirovku-sbornoy-ukrainy-mrt/ponomarenko-propustil-trenirovku-sbornoy-ukrainy-mrt-1.webp) ## Key Points - Ponomarenko limped after the 'Classico' against Shakhtar and missed the national team training in Uzhhorod - Andrea Maldera confirmed the need for an MRI; a decision on his participation will be made after the examination - Ukraine is third in its Nations League group (4 points) and will play Northern Ireland and Georgia on November 14 and 17 Dynamo Kyiv striker Matviy Ponomarenko did not participate in the open training session of the Ukraine national team held in Uzhhorod. According to 'Ukrainskyi Football', cited by Sport RBC.UA, the 20-year-old forward is at risk of missing key matches for the 'blue and yellows' in the current UEFA Nations League campaign. The exact nature of the injury and the recovery timeline will become known after undergoing an advanced medical examination. ### How the Injury Happened: From the 'Classico' to the National Team Camp Ponomarenko's leg problems arose during the 'Classico' derby against Shakhtar Donetsk. At the final whistle, the forward left the pitch visibly limping. At first glance, this might have seemed like fatigue after an intense game, but already at the national team camp, the player was unable to train alongside his teammates. Thus, the injury was not a one-off issue and required closer attention from the medical staff. ### Andrea Maldera's Comments and Upcoming MRI Ukraine national team head coach Andrea Maldera publicly confirmed that Ponomarenko needs an advanced medical examination. 'Ponomarenko is scheduled for an MRI today. After that, we will know about his condition,' the Italian specialist stated. Thus, the final decision on including the forward in the squad for the upcoming matches will be made strictly based on the results of diagnostic imaging. Until the MRI data is received, it is premature to talk about specific recovery timelines. ### Ponomarenko's Stats in the 2026/27 Season In the current season, Matviy Ponomarenko has shown high scoring efficiency for Dynamo Kyiv: seven goals and one assist in 18 matches across all competitions. At the national team level, the 20-year-old forward has already played three matches in the 2026/27 Nations League, spending a total of 133 minutes on the pitch. Losing such a player at the decisive stage of the group stage could noticeably affect the team's attacking potential. ### Schedule and Standings: What is at Stake In the coming days, the Ukrainian team faces two crucial tests. On November 14, Maldera's charges will play an away match against Northern Ireland, and on November 17, they will host Georgia nominally at home. Currently, the Ukraine national team is in third place in its Nations League group, with four points after four matches played. The gap to second-placed Hungary is three points, and to group leaders Northern Ireland, it is four points. In such a situation, every available attacking player becomes critically important for the battle for promotion in the division. ### Context: What Else is Happening Around the National Team Aside from Ponomarenko's injury, ahead of the Nations League matches, another event is being discussed in the Ukrainian football space: Dario Srna's statement regarding the red card in the Shakhtar vs. Dynamo match. These two storylines form the general backdrop of tension ahead of the national team's decisive encounters, in which practically the entire squad is expected to be utilized barring any force majeure circumstances. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Тревожный сигнал перед Лигой наций: почему футболист "Динамо" пропустил тренировку сборной](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/football/trivozhniy-signal-pered-ligoyu-natsiy-chomu-1794233375.html) - The source contains a direct quote from coach Maldera, statistics on Ponomarenko, group standings, and the match schedule. All facts in the article are taken from this source. ## FAQ ### What kind of injury does Ponomarenko have? The exact diagnosis is currently unknown. Ponomarenko was limping after the match against Shakhtar and could not train with the national team. Andrea Maldera ordered an MRI for the forward, after which a decision on his condition will be made. ### Will Ponomarenko play in the matches on November 14 and 17? A decision will be made after he undergoes an MRI. At the time of publication, exact recovery timelines have not been announced. ### What matches await the Ukraine national team in the near future? An away match against Northern Ireland on November 14, and a nominally home match against Georgia on November 17 in the UEFA Nations League. ### What is Ukraine's standing in the Nations League group? The Ukraine national team is in third place with four points after four rounds, trailing Hungary (second place) by three points and Northern Ireland (leaders) by four points.