The Azerbaijan national football team's roster, announced today, features significant changes under head coach Fernando Santos.
According to İdman.biz, Santos made six changes to the squad he called up on October 4, reflecting a significant reshuffling.
The coach still requires 24 players, but the changes represent 25% of the squad.
Amin Seydiyev, NarimanAkhundzada, and Rza Jafarov are returning to the team. NijaMehbaliyev and Sabuhi Abdullazada, who were called up previously but did not debut, are also included. Mustafa Ahmadzada receives his first national team call-up, and Bahlul Mustafazada, who was sidelined due to injury last time, returns to the squad.
The players excluded this time include Mehdi Jannətov, Qismat Aliyev, Renat Dadashov, Shakhriyar Aliyev, Yusif İmanov, and Elvin Jamalov. Some of these players were dropped due to injuries or lack of playing time at club level. Notably, Vadim Abdullayev, who replaced the injured Camalov last time, is also absent from the current squad.
A particularly interesting situation is in goalkeeping. None of the three goalkeepers selected have notable experience with the national team. Rza Jafarov debuted earlier this year but has only played one match. Aydın Bayramov and Nijat Mehbaliyev have not yet made their national team debuts. With Mehdi Jannatov's absence after conceding 11 goals in four Nations League matches, one or more of these three may be given a chance in the upcoming games.
Azerbaijan will play Estonia at home on November 16, followed by an away match against Sweden three days later.
Vuqar Kheyrullayev
Idman.biz
