Former Premier League striker, 22, who made controversial £64m transfer given leave of absence in 38-word club statement

JHON DURAN has been granted indefinite leave of absence from Zenit Saint-Petersburg for personal reasons. Duran, 22, plays for Zenit on loan from Al-Nassr following his move to Russia in February. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Ex-Aston Villa star Jhon Duran was granted indefinite leave of absence from Zenit Saint-Petersburg Credit: Getty Images – Getty Duran burst onto the scene during his two-year stint at Villa Credit: Getty Images – Getty The striker has since amassed a total of two goals in nine appearances with the Russian Premier League giants. However, the Colombia international won’t be playing for the Saint Petersburg outfit until further notice as he had to take some time off. The club didn’t issue any further details regarding Duran‘s “personal circumstances” that led to his leave of absence. Zenit issued the following statement on Twitter: “Club statement on Jhon Duran. “The Colombian striker and the Zenit management have agreed on a leave of absence for the player due to personal circumstances. “Details of his return date will be announced in the near future.” Duran burst onto the scene in 2023 when he moved to Aston Villa from Chicago Fire. The centre-forward went on to amass 20 goals and one assist in 78 appearances across all competitions with Villa, despite playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Zenit said Duran has been granted time off due to ‘personal circumstances’ Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Duran left Villa for a controversial £64m move to Al-Nassr Credit: Getty Images – Getty Duran was loaned out to Fenerbahce from Al-Nassr before his move to Zenit Credit: Getty Images However, the Colombian left the Villans two years later for a controversial £64million move to Al-Nassr with many believing Saudi Arabia would be a waste of his youth as well as potential. But just six months later – and a stunning 12 goals in 18 appearances with the Saudi Pro League outfit – Duran moved to Fenerbahce on loan. And after five goals as well as three assists in 21 appearances with Fener, the forward joined Zenit three months ago. Comment now