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ŠK Slovan Bratislava prepares to host FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round on Wednesday, holding a 2-0 aggregate lead from the opening match in Georgia according to club reports. Head coach Yaya Touré enters the fixture facing significant squad limitations, missing three key offensive contributors due to injury ahead of the 20.15 kickoff broadcast on STVR Šport and Voyo.
Squad Injuries and Absentee Impact
Slovan will take the pitch without forward and team captain Andraž Šporar, winger Nino Marcelli, and attacking midfielder Tigran Barseghjan, as confirmed by head coach Yaya Touré during the pre-match press conference. Šporar sustained his injury during the first leg in Tbilisi last week, a match where he scored the opening goal before the Slovak side secured their two-goal victory. According to Touré’s statements to the press, Šporar is expected to return to training in two to three weeks, with an estimated four-week timeline before he is fully prepared for match play.
“Andraž will be out for another two, maximum three weeks, then he will start training with the team. It will take about another four weeks [until he is ready to play]. However, I am always an optimist and I believe that he will return sooner,” Touré stated, noting that medical timelines during his playing days were often beaten by superior rehabilitation.
Marcelli Recovery and Tactical Adjustments
Nino Marcelli remains unavailable as he continues recovering from an injury that has sidelined him since mid-April. “Nino will be out for another three, maximum four weeks. In his case, too, I am an optimist and I believe that he will return sooner. However, that injury is close to the tendon, we must be very careful. Nino is an explosive player, very fast and we cannot rush it,” Touré explained.
With Barseghjan also unavailable, the coaching staff must restructure the frontline for the decisive home leg. The club aims to leverage the home atmosphere at Tehelné pole to secure a result that guarantees progression and ensures European football action deep into the autumn calendar.
Did you know? ŠK Slovan Bratislava carried a 2-0 advantage into this home leg following their victory in Georgia last week, where captain Andraž Šporar opened the scoring sheet before the team sealed the clean-sheet win.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Slovan Bratislava vs. FC Iberia 1999 Tbilisi match?
The match takes place on Wednesday with a 20.15 kickoff time in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
Which key players are missing for Slovan Bratislava?
According to head coach Yaya Touré, Slovan will be missing team captain Andraž Šporar, Nino Marcelli, and Tigran Barseghjan due to injuries.
Where can viewers watch the match?
The fixture is broadcast live on STVR Šport and the Voyo streaming platform.
How long is Andraž Šporar expected to be sidelined?
Touré stated that Šporar will return to training in two to three weeks and needs approximately four weeks total before being match-ready.
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