Mustafina and Garibov for Russian Champs

The annual Russian Championships, scheduled for 28 March to 10 April in the town of Penza, should provide an opportunity for fans to see Russian returning favourites Aliya Mustafina and Emin Garibov, said coach Rodionenko to RSport yesterday.

Both gymnasts are rehabbing injuries, Mustafina to the knee and Garibov to the shoulder.  Garibov's return marks the end of an absence from full training of over a year.  

Mustafina's level of participation is yet to be decided.  All around is a possibility, but just as likely is a specialist contribution on bars and beam.  The 2010 World Champion depicted herself practising a double layout on a Tumble Trak yesterday, with a heavily strapped right knee.  

Rodionenko indicated that should Mustafina's preparations go well, she may yet be seen in the World Cup at Stuttgart.