Baric among Albanian absentees

Coach Otto Barić has joined star players Igli Tare, Edvin Murati and Ervin Skela on the sick-list as Albania named their squad for their upcoming qualifiers.

Health problems
Albania take on Slovenia at home on Saturday before travelling to Bulgaria next Wednesday, but coach Barić will leave his assistants Slavko Kovačić and Shpëtim Duro to take charge as he looks to recover from heart and breathing problems. Captain Tare has been omitted from the squad due to a lack of match practice along with Murati, Skela and goalkeeper Ilion Lika. Youngsters Enea Koliqi, Jahmir Hyka and Xhevahir Sukaj will have the chance to impress in their absence.

Albania squad
Goalkeepers: Isli Hidi (KF Tirana), Arjan Beqaj (Anorthosis Famagusta FC), Enea Koliqi (Iraklis FC).

Defenders: Armend Dallku (FC Vorskla Poltava), Erion Xhafa (KF Tirana), Arjan Pisha (KS Dinamo Tirana), Nevil Dede (KF Tirana), Debatik Curri (FC Vorskla Poltava), Elvin Beqiri (FC Metalurh Donetsk), Besnik Hasi (KSC Lokeren OV), Blerim Rustemaj (VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach).

Midfielders: Devis Mukaj (KF Tirana), Altin Lala (Hannover 96), Altin Haxhi (Ergotelis FC), Lorik Cana (Olympique de Marseille) Ervin Bulku (KF Tirana), Klodian Duro (KF Tirana), Jahmir Hyka (Olympiacos CFP).

Forwards: Erjon Bogdani (AC Siena), Alban Bushi (Apollon Kalamarias FC) Edmond Kapllani (Karlsruher SC), Besart Berisha (Hamburger SV), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried), Xhevahir Sukaj (KS Vllaznia).