Official: Shkëndija without Freitas, Gjorgievski and Gaye for derby vs Struga TL

Shkëndija will be without three first-team players for the derby against Struga TL on August 24, 2026, the club confirmed on August 23, 2026. Coach Artim Polozhani faces a depleted squad as goalkeeper Babukar Gaye, midfielder Rafael Freitas and forward Marko Gjorgievski are unavailable due to injury.

Club: medical staff working on recoveries, returns expected next week

Shkëndija released a statement outlining the condition of the three players and the recovery plans. The club said that the medical team is working intensively to speed up each player's return but that none of the trio will be in the squad for the derby on August 24.

In the statement Shkëndija noted: "Babukar Gaye has begun the phase of returning to training, while Rafael Freitas and Marko Gjorgievski continue the recovery process after recent injuries.

While the team prepares for the upcoming challenges in the championship, the medical staff is working intensively to ensure the injured players' speedy return. At the moment, goalkeeper Babukar Gaye, midfield player Rafael Freitas and forward Marko Gjorgievski are out of contention.

Goalkeeper Babukar Gaye, after following all steps of the rehabilitation programme in Germany and undergoing additional tests, has been positively assessed for his progress. However, a full recovery requires slightly more time than originally estimated.

Gaye has already returned to Tetovo for several days and has started individual training with the goalkeeping coach. He is expected to rejoin full group training next week, while the fitness coach will give the final assessment when he is ready to return to the pitch.

Midfielder Rafael Freitas suffered a strain of the rectus abdominis muscle in the last match against Bregalnica. He continues with therapy and will be reassessed next week before any decision is made about a full return to training.

Forward Marko Gjorgievski was injured in the final training session before the second leg against Hibernian in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers. Examinations confirmed a partial tear of the long adductor muscle. Gjorgievski continues therapy and will be reassessed next week to determine the next steps in his recovery," the club said.

With three regulars sidelined, Shkëndija must adjust its selection for the league fixture on August 24; the club says the medical staff will continue to monitor progress and update the coaching team ahead of future matches.

Photo: press material from the event