Top Bulgarian Football Players Out of Squad for Saudi Arabia Friendly

Top Bulgarian football player, Martin Petrov (l), will have to miss the crucial European Championship qualifier against Switzerland over yellow cards. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria will go to the friendly football game against Saudi Arabia Tuesday without two of its top players – Stiliyan Petrov and Martin Petrov, coach Lothar Matthaeus says.

The face off will be in Istanbul and the two Petrovs received time off after securing the victory of the Bulgarian national team against Wells in Cardiff Friday evening.

The friendly match will give Matthaeus the opportunity to try younger and less experienced players while Stiliyan and Martin will be protected from possible injuries.

The goalie, Nikolay Mihaylov, most likely will receive a break as well. He showed excellent performance against Wells by saving several goals and is considered also the moving force behind the win.

In addition, Martin Petrov will not play against Switzerland which would be a crucial for Bulgaria match from the European Championship qualifiers.

Petrov, who plays for the UK Bolton, is punished for having two yellow cards; one of which was received Friday during the game with Wells.

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