After the news of Maksim Shnaptsev's surgery, I decided to pull up his entire injury history. I don't have a medical degree, of course, but I do have the internet, statistics and a certain amount of free time.
So, the patient's case history. 🔎
🔹 May 2026. Still at Pari NN, he picked up a knock after a match against Akhmat. Had an MRI, missed the end of the season.
🔹 August 2026. Now at Baltika, he injured a thigh muscle in the game against Dynamo Moscow. According to media reports, he finished the match in pain. He returned to the pitch a month later.
🔹 October 2026. At the training camp in Kratovo he suffered a flap tear of the lateral meniscus. Surgery was required. At least four weeks before he rejoins full training.
And what about the earlier case notes?
In 2024 — an injury and four matches missed. In March 2025 there were reports of a short-term leg problem.
In 2021 Maksim suffered a concussion and a broken nose after an assault. But that episode has nothing to do with football workloads. 😎
📅 How much will he miss now?
Roughly the next 6–7 Baltika matches are under threat. And note that four weeks is the timeline for returning to training, not a guarantee of appearing on the pitch.
⚕️ Doctor Alexei's conclusion
At first glance, three injuries in five months is a reason to worry. But there is a nuance.
The injuries are all different, and the open data shows no sign of a single recurring problem. And last season Shnaptsev played for Pari NN quite regularly.
So my preliminary diagnosis: chronic bad luck rather than chronic injury-proneness.
Of course, it is too early for final conclusions. But I certainly wouldn't file a 22-year-old footballer under "made of glass" on the strength of this history.
💊 Doctor Alexei's prescription: recover calmly, get back to form, and stay out of this column.
Good health, Maksim! 💙🤍
P. S. Doctor Alexei reminds you: he has no medical degree, but his desire to see every Baltika player healthy is enormous.
