Pietro Ghedin’s plans for the opening World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Italy have been hampered by the news that captain Michael Mifsud could miss out on next month’s double header due to injury.
Mifsud, Malta’s all-time leading scorer with 36 goals, picked up a groin injury during Valletta’s 3-1 victory over Mosta in the BOV Premier League on Sunday.
He left the pitch early in the second half and initial tests have shown a small tear in his groin.
Mifsud is expected to have more tests and an MRI scan will deter-mine the player’s timescale for a recovery.
In the light of these developments, on Monday, national coach Ghedin called up Birkirkara striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza to join the Malta squad as he looks to find an adequate replacement in case Mifsud fails to recover in time and pulls out of the home game against Armenia (September 7) and the trip to Modena for the match against the Azzurri (September 11).
“Unfortunately, we are some-what short in strikers so it was felt that we should look at other alternatives and that is why Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza is here,” Ghedin told The Times after yesterday’s training session at Ta’ Qali.
“He is an interesting player and having him training with the rest of the squad will give me the opportunity to assess his qualities.
“However, that does not mean he will make the upcoming qualifiers as all players need time to adapt and earn their place in the squad.”
Meanwhile, the Malta Football Association yesterday gave details of its ticket arrangements ahead of the opening Group B qualifier at the National Stadium next week.
Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA chief executive officer, told a news conference that they were doing everything possible to lure more fans to stands when the national team is playing.
“The last few months we embarked on a series of initiatives, all aimed at enticing more spectators to the stadium for the national team’s matches.
“The Gold Card initiative, for instance, turned out to be a very popular option and those who purchased it have now guaranteed themselves a place in the stadium to watch all our home matches for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
“Besides, we have also struck a deal with Public Broadcasting Services which sees TVM screening live all our home matches, friendlies and competitive, and that also includes the Under-21 fixtures. This agreement gives the opportunity to those who cannot make it to the stadium, to watch our teams in action from their homes.”
Tickets for the Armenia qualifier are already on out for sale with entry to the West Stand costing €20, the Millennium Stand €10 and the South Stand €7.
Children will be charged €5 for the Millennium Stand and €3 for the South Stand.
The public can acquire tickets online by logging on to www.mfa.com.mt and www.MaltaTicket.com or from Eros Stationery, Paola, Lion King Stationery, Gwardamangia, Star Tourism Services, Bugibba, and Team Sport, Iklin.
Vassallo said the national team was expecting a very difficult match against Armenia.
“We were drawn in a very tough group,” he contended.
“Armenia, who were seeded just ahead of us in the draw, will be tough opponents.
“In the last qualifying competition for Euro 2012, they finished third, just behind Russia and Ireland, with 17 points. Both top teams qualified for the Euros.
“That shows the task awaiting our players next month so we’re urging the public to attend in numbers and continue giving their support to our team.”