The Ukraine national team is facing roster issues ahead of the UEFA Nations League Matchday 5 fixture against Northern Ireland. Blue-and-Yellows head coach Andrea Maldera confirmed at the pre-match press conference that he definitely will not be able to rely on two first-team players in the upcoming encounter. According to the Italian specialist, the rest of the squad is in full combat readiness and ready to take the field.
Squad losses: Shaparenko and Bondar
Midfielder Mykola Shaparenko and defender Valeriy Bondar were left out of the matchday squad. "Mykola Shaparenko is feeling unwell. Also, Valeriy Bondar is a bit tired after playing a large number of matches. These are all our losses; the rest are ready to take the field," Maldera explained. Thus, both absences are related to the players' physical condition rather than suspensions or serious injuries, giving the coaching staff a chance to return them to the squad for the next match.
Goalkeeper choice: Anatoliy Trubin
The coaching staff has already decided on the goalkeeper for the match against Northern Ireland, with the choice made in favor of Anatoliy Trubin. "Anatoliy Trubin will start tomorrow. There will be one more training session, but I plan to put him in goal," stated the national team manager. In other words, the goalkeeping line for the upcoming fixture has been formed, and an additional training session before the game will only confirm this choice.
Adjustments to the November training camp squad
The current losses are a continuation of a series of forced changes in the national team squad. The initial list of 25 players underwent significant adjustments even before preparations began. Winger Oleksandr Zubkov was unable to join the team due to an injury — forward Vladyslav Vanat and Mykola Shaparenko, who is now forced to miss the upcoming match due to indisposition, were called up additionally in his place. There was also a reshuffle at the tip of the attack: Artem Dovbyk replaced Matvii Ponomarenko in the squad.
Standings and schedule
In the coming days, the Ukrainian team faces crucial challenges in the tournament. On November 14, Maldera's charges will play away against Northern Ireland, and on November 17, they will hold a nominally home fixture against Georgia. Currently, the Ukraine national team occupies third place in its Nations League group, having 4 points after four played matchdays. The Blue-and-Yellows trail second-placed Hungary by 3 points and group leader Northern Ireland by 4 points. That is why the result of the November 14 match could significantly affect the balance of power in the quartet.
