Albania may face another significant absence on the eve of the last two challenges of the Nations League. Thomas Strakosha is expected to be unavailable to the Red and Black for the matches against Finland and Belarus, due to a knee injury that is still causing problems.
The AEK goalkeeper was not present even in Sunday’s derby against Panathinaikos, adding doubts about his timely return for the national team’s commitments. Earlier, the club’s coach, Nikolic, had expressed optimism, stating that he expected to have Strakosha available after the national team matches.
The 31-year-old was injured in September and as a result also missed Albania’s four matches at the end of that month and in early October. Initially, his return for the November fixtures seemed possible, but the injury turned out to be more serious than had been anticipated.
Under these circumstances, the main alternative for the Albanian goal remains Etrit Berisha. The 36-year-old goalkeeper has served his suspension after the red card he received against Finland and is expected to return between the posts in precisely that match against the Finns.
Berisha is also coming from a positive run with his club in Sweden, where he has not conceded a goal in his last seven matches.
Albania will host Finland on 12 November at “Air Albania” Stadium, while three days later it will play away against Belarus.