Injured Haley Bugeja among four players ruled out of Croatia double-header

Malta prolific goalscorer, Haley Bugeja, is among four players who missed out on the women’s national team provisional squad due to injury for the upcoming friendlies against Croatia.

Malta will play two friendly matches against Croatia, on Friday, November 28, with kick-off set at 7pm, and then the two teams meet again on December 1, at 5pm, with both matches to be played at the Centenary Stadium.

The two matches form an important part of the team’s build-up to next year’s UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers, where Malta will compete in League B2 alongside Northern Ireland, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Head Coach Manuela Tesse is using the final international window of the year to assess player form, integrate younger talent, and further refine tactical structures ahead of a demanding 2026 campaign.

Malta enters these friendlies with several injury absences, including striker Bugeja, Fiona Buttigieg, Jana Barbara, and Charlene Zammit.

On a positive note, U19 attacker Sara Saliba has returned to senior national team duties, adding depth to the attacking options available.

Coach Tesse has emphasised the importance of these fixtures in maintaining match rhythm and testing the adaptability of both established players and emerging prospects.  

The upcoming friendlies against Croatia will help the coaching staff gauge the squad’s readiness ahead of next year’s competitive fixtures.  

The matches are also expected to offer valuable playing time to younger players as Malta seeks to expand squad depth and build continuity.

Supporters are encouraged to attend the matches in Ta’ Qali and continue backing the women’s national team as preparations for the 2026 international calendar intensify.

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers
Maya Cachia (Hibernians FC), Giulia D’Antuono (Mgarr United), Patricia Ebejer (Mgarr United FC).

Defenders
Rebecca Bajada (Mgarr United), Leanne Cefai (Mgarr United), Maia Debono (Mgarr United), Jessica Dimech (Hibernians FC), Tammy Falzon (Swieqi United), Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara FC), Alexandra Gatt (Hull City Ladies – ENG) Oceane Grange (SV Zulte Waregem – BEL), Emma Lipman (Genoa FC – ITA), Maya Lucia (Apollon Ladies FC – CYP), Georgiana Mifsud (Hibernians FC), Jade Schembri (Swieqi United), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United).

Midfielders
Brenda Borg (Mgarr United), Michaela Cachia (Swieqi United), Rachel Cuschieri (Genoa FC – ITA), Amber Grech (Mgarr United), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians), Sarah Urpani (Swieqi United), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United).

Forwards
Leah Ayres (Hibernians FC), Yulya Carella (Mgarr United), Maria Farrugia (Bristol City – ENG), Sara Saliba (Swieqi United), Kailey Willis (ACF Brescia Calcio Femminile – ITA).