Are we even going to see Sokolova next year?
If Russia qualifies for the 2016 Olympics, is Lyuba healthy enough to play in her 6th consecutive Olympic Games?
At the moment, the possibility of seeing the Russian legend who turns 38 this year is very slim.
On the other hand, check out Russia’s preliminary roster for the 2015 FIVB World Cup which starts later this month:
Opposite Hitters: Daria Isaeva, Natalia Malykh, Natalia Obmochaeva
Middle Blockers: Ekaterina Efimova, Ekaterina Lyubushkina, Ekaterina Orlova, Irina Fetisova, Anastasia Samoilenko (Shlyakhovaya)
Outside Hitters: Ksenia Ilchenko, Tatiana Kosheleva, Alexandra Pasynkova, Yana Shcherban
Liberos: Victoria Kuzyakina, Anna Malova
No Sokolova. No Gamova.
The Russian team is relying on their young players from here on now led by none other than Kosheleva and Goncharova.
(source: Volleyrussia/ images: FIVB)