Latvia Lose One of Their Key Players Ahead of Armenia Clash

The Latvia national team have suffered a major personnel blow ahead of their opening UEFA Nations League match against Armenia. Experienced midfielder Jānis Ikaunieks has left the national team camp due to injury and will definitely miss the game in Yerevan.

The 31-year-old sustained the injury during a training session with his club, RFS. Ikaunieks’ involvement in Latvia’s remaining matches during the current international window is also in doubt. However, the Latvian Football Federation has not ruled out the possibility of the midfielder rejoining the squad at a later stage.

Ikaunieks is one of the most experienced players in Latvia’s current squad. He has made 74 appearances and scored 12 goals for the national team. Among the players currently in the squad, only Roberts Savaļnieks has earned more caps, with 75.

The midfielder has faced Armenia three times. In 2023, Ikaunieks scored one of the goals in Latvia’s 2–0 victory over Armenia in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Ikaunieks has been replaced by Kristers Čudars of Ogre United, who has received his first senior international call-up. The 27-year-old midfielder has become the first player in the history of the Ogre-based club to be invited to Latvia’s senior national team.

There is also some positive squad news for Latvia. Eduards Dašķevičs, who suffered an injury during the match between Auda and RFS, has remained with the national team and is taking part in training.

Ikaunieks’ absence is a significant loss for Armenia’s opponents, who will be without one of their most experienced and productive players.

The UEFA Nations League Matchday 1 fixture between Armenia and Latvia will take place on September 25 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00.