Brave Ukrainian footballers resume training as game returns to Ukraine for first time since Russia’s invasion

FOOTBALLERS train ahead of the sport’s return to war-ravaged Ukraine today for the first time since Russia invaded.

Its Premier League is kicking off again — but only in grounds with air raid shelters.

Anti-missile systems will be on alert amid fears Russia’s tyrant Vladimir Putin will stage an attack.

Champions Shakhtar Donetsk take on Metalist in Kyiv, but there will be no fans in the 70,000-seater stadium with all matches behind closed doors.

Arsenal’s Ukrainian ace Oleksandr Zinchenko has welcomed football’s return there.

Shakhtar player Mykhaylo Mudryk said it was a reminder to the world “that Ukraine exists”.

He added: “Everyone must help us beat this evil.”

Last season was due to restart after the February winter break.

But it had to be scrapped when Russia invaded.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk