Valletta received a massive boost yesterday after it was confirmed that striker Michael Mifsud has suffered no major damage to his groin and could be back in action as early as this weekend.
Mifsud, 31, was replaced in the second half of Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Mosta and there were growing fears that he could be sidelined for several weeks.
However, the Malta captain had an MRI scan yesterday which showed there was no tear in his groin and he could be fit to face Qormi on Saturday.
The news will surely be greeted with relief by Pietro Ghedin ahead of next month’s opening World Cup qualifiers against Armenia (September 7) and Italy (September 11.)
On Monday, the Italian coach had summoned Birkirkara striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza to train with national squad as cover in case Mifsud was ruled out for a long period.
Yesterday, Ghedin drafted Mifsud in his provisional 30-man squad for the Group B opener at the National Stadium tomorrow week.
On the domestic scene, all Premier League clubs are now engaged in their last efforts to bolster squads before the transfer window shuts tomorrow.
There is uncertainty on the future of Hibernians want-away defenders Edward Herrera and Jason Vandelannoite.
Birkirkara have shown interest in wing-back Herrera who still has two years left on his contract, but so far the Stripes have failed to meet the Paolites’ demands for the 24-year-old.
Yesterday, it was revealed that Hibs had imposed a one-month ban on Vandelannoite as a disciplinary measure after the Belgian had skipped training a few times without notice in the last few weeks.
Tarxien, now under the charge of new coach Clive Mizzi, have been quite active in the last few hours to try and add more personnel to their squad.
The Rainbows, who parted with Danilo Doncic after two successive league upsets, are on the verge of signing attacking midfielder Andrezinho. The Brazilian was due to undergo a medical before signing a contract.
In the meantime, Mizzi has already completed his first signing after acquiring the services of Ryan Sammut, his former defender at Mqabba last season.
Sliema Wanderers yesterday confirmed they had added another overseas player to their ranks after reaching a deal with striker Alain Faccini, of Italy.
Faccini, who came through the ranks of Serie A club Siena, signed a one-year contract with the Wanderers and could make his debut against Mosta tomorrow provided all paperwork is ready in time.
Melita, too, are working hard to add more options to coach Martin Gregory in their first showing in the Premier League.
The Amateurs are currently in talks with Serbian defender Ivan Tufegdzic while French midfielder Maxime Batel has agreed to return after playing for Melita in season 2010/11.