Jonathan Caruana (left) is recovering from a back problem. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Defender Jonathan Caruana has been ruled out of Malta’s upcoming friendly games against the Czech Republic (May 27) and Austria (May 31) as the Valletta captain is currently sidelined with a back problem.

Caruana has been absent from training since the players in Pietro Ghedin’s provisional 23-man squad reported for international duty last Monday.

The lanky centre-half, who turns 30 in July, is understood to be receiving treatment for a back injury which caused him severe pain in the final stages of the domestic season.

Contacted by Times of Malta yesterday, Caruana confirmed his withdrawal from the Malta squad for this month’s warm-up games in Austria but pointed out that the injury is not serious.

“The injury is not serious but it needs to be addressed,” Caruana said.

“I’ve been advised to rest for a few weeks to aid the healing process and this leaves me with no option but to miss the national team’s friendlies.”

This is not the first time Caruana has suffered an injury setback before an international week. The towering centre-half missed five consecutive Euro 2016 qualifiers due to a knee problem.

Caruana played 87 minutes of Malta’s goalless draw against Moldova in a home friendly match in March.

His absence leaves Ghedin with 22 players but the Italian coach, who earlier this year signed a new two-year contract to remain in charge of the national team until 2018, has plenty of cover in central defence as the likes of Andrei Agius, Zach Muscat, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino have been included in the squad.

Ghedin will finalise his 20-man squad for the Austria training camp early next week.

Caruana is among the five finalists for the Malta FA footballer of the year award along with Valletta team-mate Roderick Briffa, Balzan duo Alfred Effiong and Lydon Micallef, and Hibs midfielder Bjorn Kristensen.

The winner will be unveiled tonight during the MFA Awards ceremony at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Meanwhile, champions Valletta are unlikely to renew Abdelkarim Nafti’s contract.

The Tunisian winger played a starring role in Valletta’s title success this season but coach Paul Zammit has reportedly decided to pursue other options as he looks to rejuvenate his squad.

It is understood that Valletta are looking to recruit three new foreign players ahead of their commitments in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.

Nafti’s age was probably a factor in Zammit’s decision not to retain him as the Tunisian, who joined Valletta in 2013, turns 35 in August.

Two superb goals by Nafti last season are in contention for the goal of the year prize at the MFA Awards, while Zammit is the favourite to pick up the coach accolade.

Valletta, who have reached an agreement with Spanish sportswear brand Joma to become their new kit sponsors, will begin their pre-season training next Thursday.

Elsewhere, Hibernians have stepped up their hunt for a new coach after parting ways with Branko Nisevic.

Miller rumours

Although the former Malta champions are still evaluating the candidates to succeed Nisevic, Mark Miller is regarded as favourite to return to the helm of Hibs. Miller has not led a senior team since his short stint with Qormi in the final months of season 2014/15.

Giovanni Tedesco, the former Floriana coach, has also been touted as a potential candidate for the Hibs job. Tedesco, who worked for Palermo after his exit from Birkirkara last December, is known to be keen on a return to Maltese football.

Qormi, relegated from the Premier League at the end of this season, have appointed Brian Spiteri as their new coach.

Spiteri, who was in charge of Lija Athletic, takes over from Johann Scicluna who is being strongly linked with the vacant coaching post at Fgura United, also of Division One.