Denys Popov's Injury Blow
Dynamo Kyiv's central defender Denys Popov has undergone knee surgery in Kyiv and will miss the beginning of the upcoming season after suffering a serious knee injury during the team's training camp. According to medical estimates, Popov will be unable to return to training until at least October. As a result, the Kyiv club has left him off its squad list for the Europa League qualifying rounds.
In the first round, Dynamo will face Romanian side Universitatea Cluj-Napoca, with matches scheduled for July 9 and 16.
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During the previous campaign, Popov made 22 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals. Meanwhile, as Dynamo prepares for the new season, Kharkiv-based club Metalist 1925 underwent a rebranding in the offseason, adopting a new name, colors, and logo. The club is now officially called Kharkiv.
It is also worth noting that Dynamo defeated Chernihiv in the 2025/26 Ukrainian Cup final, with midfielder Buyalsky scoring a brace and winger Yarmolenko netting the third goal.
Popov's injury represents a significant loss for Dynamo, as he was a key player for the team. The absence of their starting center-back could influence the coaching staff's tactical decisions during the Europa League qualifiers. Additionally, the rebranding of Metalist 1925 to Kharkiv may signal new ambitions and a drive for growth in Ukrainian football.
In a similar situation, Dynamo Kyiv has also faced challenges with injuries, as Mykhailenko's knee surgery will keep him sidelined for crucial matches. This series of setbacks raises concerns about the team's depth and strategy as they approach the Europa League qualifiers.