Slovakia Announces Squad for Crucial World Cup Playoff, Valjent Returns
Bratislava – On Thursday, Slovak national football team coach Francesco Calzona unveiled the squad for the upcoming March playoff to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Defender Martin Valjent has been included in the nomination after a two-and-a-half-year absence.
Valjent’s Return and Squad Overview
Martin Valjent, currently captain of RCD Mallorca, returns to the national team having previously been nominated under Calzona but did not feature in a match. Calzona emphasized he has “never had any problem” with the defender, describing him as an “intelligent player who can change his mind.”
Róbert Boženík, currently at Stoke City, is included among the substitutes, having been a consistent member of the squad since his debut in June 2019.
Injury Concerns and Key Players
The squad faces challenges with several key players nursing injuries. Captain Milan Škriniar is battling a torn muscle fiber in his thigh adductor area but is determined to play at least one match. Calzona publicly thanked Škriniar and his club, Fenerbahce, for their understanding and support.
“Miňo [Škriniar] is fighting a really serious injury and is doing his best to be with us. He will arrive in Slovakia on Friday and will have all our staff at his disposal. However, he is convinced that he wants to be in at least one match. He is risking part of his career to be ready for at least one of these duels,” Calzona stated. Flashscore.sk
Tomáš Suslov, who has been recovering from a knee ligament injury, has also been included in the squad, having recently returned to action for Hellas Verona. Stanislav Lobotka is also recovering from a thigh injury, with his availability for Napoli’s upcoming match against Cagliari uncertain.
Adrián Kaprálik is in contention for a starting role, while Leo Sauer and David Strelec are also included.
Squad List
Goalkeepers: Martin Dúbravka (Burnley), Marek Rodák (Al-Ettifaq), Dominik Takáč (Slovan Bratislava)
Defenders: Peter Pekarík (Hertha Berlin B), Norbert Gyömbér (Al-Kholood), Denis Vavro (Wolfsburg), Ľubomír Šatka (Samsunspor), Martin Valjent (RCD Mallorca), Milan Škriniar (Fenerbahce Istanbul), Adam Obert (Cagliari Calcio), Ivan Mesík (Heracles Almelo), Dávid Hancko (Atlético Madrid)
Midfielders: Stanislav Lobotka (SSC Napoli), Patrik Hrošovský (Viktoria Plzeň), Ondrej Duda (Al-Ettifaq), László Bénes (Kayserispor), Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum), Tomáš Rigo (Stoke City), Mario Sauer (Toulouse)
Attackers: Tomáš Suslov (Hellas Verona), Adrián Kaprálik (Holstein Kiel), Dávid Ďuriš (Rosenborg), Lukáš Haraslín (Sparta Prague), Leo Sauer (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Ľubomír Tupta (AE Larisa), David Strelec (Middlesbrough), Samuel Mráz (Servette Geneva)
Playoff Schedule
Slovakia will face Kosovo on March 26th. A victory will secure a direct duel on March 31st against the winner of the Turkey vs. Romania match, with both matches scheduled to be played at Tehelno polí. Aktuality.sk