Malta defender Luke Dimech and goalkeeper Justin Haber will probably be the only players who played in the memorable 2-1 win over Hungary last month who will be missing next Wednesday’s friendly against Lithuania.

The match is being played at the Hibernians Ground at Corradino and kicks off at 2pm.

Coach Dusan Fitzel confirmed Dimech suffered a head injury which required nine stitches in a recent traffic accident. The Czech coach, however, also said that Dimech had missed the last three weeks of training as he had been in England. “Therefore I can definitely say he is not ready for this match,” said Fitzel.

Another player missing the encounter will be goalkeeper Justin Haber. His place has been taken up by Under 21 goalie Andrew Hogg of Pieta.

Still missing from the squad, among others, is Birkirkara striker Etienne Barbara, who is still trying to find his form after coming back from a long-term injury.

Fitzel said he hoped the absence from competitive matches for most of his players – Maltese football is practically at a standstill due to the resurfacing of the Ta’ Qali Stadium – will not affect his players. “I hope we will continue where we left off against Hungary last month, even though Lithuania will be just as hard, considering the results they have acquired so far, especially the 1-1 draw away against Italy,” he said.

He said such a situation in Malta is new to him. “I have never faced such a situation and I did not know how to tackle it. There were some players who did not play, others were injured and some others were on holiday,” he said.

Fitzel’s squad for Wednesday’s match is the following:

Goalkeepers: A. Hogg (Pieta), M. Muscat (Hibs)

Defenders: I. Azzopardi (Floriana), B. Said, I. Ciantar (Sliema), K. Scicluna (B’Kara), S. Wellman (M’Xlokk)

Midfielders: G. Agius (Valletta), R. Bajada, C. Mattocks (Sliema), C. Cassar, T. Cilia (Floriana), G. Mallia (B’Kara), J. Pace, K. Sammut, G. Sciberras (M’Xlokk), P. Pullicino (Msida)

Strikers: I. Woods (Sliema), A. Cohen, T. Scerri (Hibs), M. Mifsud (Lillestrom), A. Schembri (M’Xlokk)