New signing Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza is a doubtful starter for this afternoon’s Europa League second qualifying round first leg clash against Israel’s Maccabi Netanya.

Speaking to The Malta Independent yesterday, Sliema W. coach Stephen Azzopardi said the former Birkirkara and Malta striker was injured during a training session on Sunday and still has to be assessed before being considered for inclusion in the squad for today’s clash.

The Wanderers’ boss is aware that his side’s task this evening is by no means easy. “Israeli football is by far on a higher level than that of ours. Moreover, they have changed their coach, so also their tactics might have changed from last season,” he said.

Azzopardi will have an almost totally Maltese squad at his disposal with young Italian Sam Siro Furfaro being the only foreigner retained by the club from last season.

Azzopardi also has goalkeeper Henry Bonello being treated for an injury and once again, Simon Agius seems to be ascertained of his place between the posts this evening.

Otherwise, the Blues are not expected to make any radical changes to the side which performed in the Euro Cup matches. Obviously, that will include the other new signings, that is, Clayton Failla from Hibernians, Josef Mifsud from Valletta and Ryan Fenech from Hamrun Spartans.

Also at the coach’s disposal will be the returning from loan Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and Beppe Muscat, as well as all the other established players.

Azzopardi believes that the Blues’ draw was the hardest of all the clubs facing the Maltese sides this season. “We cannot be too adventurous, especially when one does not know much about one’s opponents. All I can say is that Israeli football is in a much higher rung than Maltese football. We will be watching them in action for the first time in this match and, as such, we have to be prudent in our attitude towards the game,” he added.

The match is being transmitted live by Melita Sports, starting at 5.45pm.