Albania unveil squad amid Kuže concern

Albania have announced their 23-man squad for this month's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belarus, though Josip Kuže will not lead them after suffering a stroke.

The Croatian is reportedly in a stable but serious condition in Tirana and Football Association of Albania president Armando Duka has already confirmed that Kuže will not take charge of the Group D games on 8 and 12 October. "It is unclear for the moment who will lead the team," said Duka. "Kuže's health is our priority at the moment."

Whoever deputises inherits a squad including Altin Lala, who has not played since March, and Ervin Skela, a midfielder without a club having been released by TuS Koblenz. FK Khazar Lankaran centre-back Elvin Beqiri has been drafted in as cover for the injured Debatik Curri. Albania are top of Group D after starting their campaign with a draw in Romania and a 1-0 home win against Luxembourg last month.

Albania squad　
Goalkeepers: Arian Beqaj (Olympiakos Nicosia FC), Isli Hidi (KS Dinamo Tirana), Samir Ujkani (Novara Calcio).

Defenders: Andi Lila (KF Tirana), Armend Dallku (FC Vorksla Poltava), Kristi Vangeli (Aris Thessaloniki FC), Ansi Agolli (Qarabağ FK), Admir Teli (Qarabağ FK), Lorik Cana (Galatasaray AŞ), Endrit Vrapi (KS Skënderbeu), Elvin Beqiri (FK Khazar Lankaran).

Midfielders: Ervin Bulku (HNK Hajduk Split), Ervin Skela (unattached), Altin Lala (Hannover 96), Klodian Duro (LASK Linz), Jahmir Hyka (Panionios GSS), Gilman Lika (Diyarbakırspor), Emilian Vila (KS Dinamo Tirana), Gjergj Muzaka (KS Dinamo Tirana).

Forwards: Erjon Bogdani (AC Cesena), Hamdi Salihi (SK Rapid Wien), Edmond Kapllani (SC Paderborn 07), Elis Bakaj (KS Dinamo Tirana).