Jones out of Malta squad as Ellul, Vassallo and Degabriele handed Nations League call-up

Malta coach Michele Marcolini again left out Notts County striker Jodi Jones from his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League double-header against Moldova and Andorra this month.

Malta play in Moldova on Saturday before travelling to Andorra the following Tuesday.

The England-based forward had fallen out of favour with Marcolini after he declined a call-up in last June international friendlies against the Czech Republic and Greece, citing fatigue.

Sources close to the Malta FA told the Times of Malta that Jones had asked Marcolini not to be considered for the upcoming qualifiers.

Hibernians forward Jurgen Degabriele was given the nod to form part of the 26-man squad after missing out on June’s selection.

Marcolini is without experienced defenders as both Enrico Pepe, now on the books of Gżira United, and Steve Borg, of Ħamrun Spartans, are out injured.

Mattias Ellul, of Ħamrun Spartans, was handed his first senior call-up after his bright start to his season with the Malta champions. Young Jake Vassallo and Luke Tabone were also both named in the squad.

Another notable omission was that of Floriana’s Dunstan Vella who enjoyed a very bright start to the campaign with his club.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello, Rashid Al Tumi, Matthew Grech.

Defenders: Kurt Shaw, Jean Borg, Zach Muscat, Jake Vassallo, Luke Tabone, Mattias Ellul.

Midfielders: Joseph Mbong, Carlo Zammit Lonardelli, Ryan Camenzuli, Adam Magri Overend, Myles Beerman, Teddy Teuma, Bjorn Kristensen, Matthew Guillaumier, Nikolai Muscat, Yannick Yankam, Steve Pisani, Jan Busuttil.

Forwards: Luke Montebello, Paul Mbong, Kyrian Nwoko, Kemar Reid, Jurgen Degabriele.