AEK Awaits Full International Squad Ahead of Crucial Matches
Coach Marko Nikolić is eagerly anticipating the return of all AEK international players to commence focused preparations for the pivotal clash against PAOK. The final updates on the fitness of key players Rota, Jović, and Moukoudi are expected soon, which will shape the team’s strategy moving forward.
Gradual Return to Training at Spata
Starting tomorrow, the training facilities at Spata will begin to fill as the internationals who recently completed their national team duties arrive back in Athens. Some players are still engaged in matches tonight but will join the squad immediately after, rejoining training sessions to regain full match readiness.
AEK’s International Absences and Upcoming Challenges
In total, ten AEK players have been away on international duty over the past weeks. From Thursday onwards, Nikolić and his squad will enter a critical phase of preparation not only for the high-stakes encounter with PAOK but also for two other significant fixtures against Aberdeen and Olympiacos. These matches are crucial for AEK’s ambitions this season.
Assessing Player Availability for the PAOK Showdown
Nikolić is closely monitoring which players will be available starting with Sunday’s game at the OPAP Arena. Rota’s recent foot injury and Jović’s muscular strain are concerns; however, both players are optimistic about participating, with medical assessments leaning towards their availability.
Moukoudi’s Fitness Under Evaluation
The condition of Moukoudi remains uncertain as he recovers from a muscle injury sustained during the match against Kifisia. The upcoming training sessions will be decisive in determining whether he can be risked for the demanding fixtures ahead or if a cautious approach will be taken to preserve him for future games.
Unavailable Players and Squad Readiness
Definitively ruled out for the PAOK match is the suspended Relvas, who received a red card in the last league game. Additionally, Pereira and Zini remain sidelined due to ongoing issues. Beyond these absences, Nikolić will evaluate the fitness levels of returning internationals, with particular attention on Pineda.
Pineda’s Return and Impact on Midfield Dynamics
The Mexican midfielder, a vital component of AEK’s midfield, is set to return on Friday after concluding his national team commitments early Wednesday morning. Both he and Pieros will face the challenge of overcoming jet lag and limited training time before the PAOK fixture. It remains to be seen how this will influence Nikolić’s starting lineup decisions.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Preparations for a Demanding Schedule
With a congested calendar featuring high-profile matches, AEK’s coaching staff is focused on optimizing player fitness and tactical readiness. The integration of returning internationals will be key to maintaining competitive momentum as the team aims to secure vital points in the league and European competitions.