Shakhtar will not release Mendoza for Venezuela's match against Russia

Shakhtar Donetsk has decided not to release winger Gleiker Mendoza for the Venezuela national team's friendly match against Russia, scheduled for November 17 in Krasnodar.

According to Venezuelan outlet Solovenex, the club will only permit the 24-year-old to participate in the first match of the international break. Mendoza is cleared to play in the friendly against the Basque Country, which is set to take place on November 14 in Bilbao.

Following that match, the winger is expected to return to the club's training camp, meaning he will not be involved in the game on Russian soil.

Gleiker Mendoza joined Shakhtar in the summer of 2026 from Kryvbas. This season, he has been establishing himself in the first team, recording 12 appearances across all competitions with three goals and one assist to his name.