Vardar to play Tikvesh without Gorgije Jankulov; Castaneda also sidelined

Skopje, 31.08.2026 — Vardar will travel to Tikvesh without right-back Gorgije Jankulov after the defender pulled a groin muscle in the match against Sileks and was substituted at half-time. The injury is not classified as serious, but the club says he will miss today’s fixture and could also be absent for the next round.

The club’s preseason troubles and a chaotic training process have left Vardar short on options following the departure of coach Cristian Fabiani; injuries have added to the problems. Diego Castaneda is also reported to be sidelined with a groin complaint, while Torres remains out of the picture after a long spell on the sidelines.

Squad picture and foreign players

Among the Argentine contingent only Puelio is currently available for selection. Gerson Rodriguez has been training on his own and, according to club insiders, has no intention of leaving Vardar because he believes he would not find similar conditions and pay elsewhere; he is waiting for the club’s decision in the meantime. Boban Nikolov is out injured, while Pires has been reintegrated into the squad.

Defensive reinforcement Siriki Diabate has arrived from the Qatari second division but has not played since 15 April; the club expects him to need time to reach match rhythm at a side that cannot afford long adjustment periods. Darko Velkovski has already moved and is playing successfully for his new club in Bahrain.

Vardar currently trails Shkendija by nine points in the title race, and any further slip-ups would be costly as the team prepares to face Tikvesh away in a match that arrives amid growing pressure on and off the pitch.

Photo: press material from the event