De Leo finalises Malta’s squad for Luxembourg play-off

Malta National Teams Head Coach Emilio De Leo has confirmed his final squad of 26 players ahead of Malta’s crucial UEFA Nations League Play-Offs against Luxembourg, with promotion to League C on the line.

Missing from De Leo’s final selection is James Carragher.

Following discussions with his club, it was decided that Carragher will not be available for selection for the upcoming international window as he is not fully recovered.

The decision has been made in conjunction with his club, and Malta FA said that it respects Carragher’s need to prioritise his recovery and looks forward to his return to full fitness.

The tie will be played over two legs, with the first match taking place at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium on Thursday, followed by the return leg in Luxembourg City on Tuesday, March 31.

Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 18:00.

Tickets for the home fixture are available from here, with supporters encouraged to turn out in numbers and back the national team in what promises to be a decisive encounter as Malta aim to secure promotion.

Final squad

Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Rashed Al Tumi (Sliema Wanderers FC), Matthias Debono (Naxxar Lions FC).

Defenders: Zach Muscat (Chaves FC – POR), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk FC), Kurt Shaw (Hibernians FC), Enrico Pepe (Marsaxlokk FC), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers FC), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United FC), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Myles Beerman (Floriana FC).

Midfielders: Matthew Guillaumier (Ħamrun Spartans FC), Brandon Diego Paiber (Valletta FC), Alexander Satariano (Athens Kallithea FC – GRE), Yannick Yankam (Valletta FC), Jake Azzopardi (Valletta FC), Teddy Teuma (Standard de Liege – BEL), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema W. FC), Jake Grech (Floriana FC).

Forwards: Joseph E. Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans FC)*, Paul Mbong (Floriana FC), Ilyas Chouaref (Sion FC – SUI), Irvin Cardona (AS Saint-Étienne – FRA), Trent Buhagiar (Tampines Rovers – SGP), Keyon Ewurum (Torino FC), Andrea Zammit (Valletta FC).