The Malta national football team has been dealt a setback just ahead of its upcoming European qualifying fixtures against Finland (away) and Poland (home) as forward Kemar Reid — who plays his club football for Birkirkara F.C. — suffered an injury in training and will not travel with the squad, which departs on Monday.

Coach Emilio De Leo has confirmed that Reid will be replaced by Andrea Zammit of Valletta F.C., marking Zammit’s first call‑up to the senior national side.

Zammit, born 5 April 2003, currently plays as a centre‑forward at Valletta FC. 

The national team will travel to Rome on Monday for a two-day stay before departing to Finland on Wednesday to begin preparation for the first of the two crucial qualifiers.