Agius, Muscat out of Cape Verde friendly

Gilbert Agius and Alex Muscat have been ruled out of Malta's friendly against Cape Verde tomorrow because of injuries.

Agius, the captain, and Muscat trained with Luca Pagani, the national team's fitness coach, yesterday evening as they continued their recovery from minor injuries.

John Buttigieg has decided not to take risks with Agius, of Valletta, and Sliema's wing-back Muscat as the duo are hopeful of regaining full fitness by the time the Malta coach names his squad for next Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Sweden at the National Stadium.

Apart from Agius and Muscat, three other players who were in the provisional squad have been left out for tomorrow's friendly.

These are Hibs goalkeeper Mario Muscat, Birkirkara midfielder George Mallia and striker Etienne Barbara, who recently joined Hibs.

Goalkeeper Justin Haber, who last week joined Hungarian side Ferencvaros from Sheffield United, and Wellington Phoenix defender Manny Muscat have earned a recall but not so can be said of 'hair rebel' Luke Dimech and Daniel Bogdanovic who are only conspicuous by their absence from the squad.

Malta beat Georgia 2-0 in a friendly last month, Buttigieg's first match in charge of the national team since taking over from Dusan Fitzel, who had to quit his post for health reasons.

Malta squad

Goalkeepers: A. Hogg, J. Haber.

Defenders: I. Azzopardi, J. Caruana, A. Agius, B. Said, K. Scicluna, M. Muscat.

Midfielders: J. Pace, K. Sammut, R. Briffa, A. Cohen, S. Bajada, R. Fenech, C. Failla.

Forwards: M. Mifsud, A. Schembri, J.P. Mifsud Triganza.