TIRANA, March 18 – Albania will be without striker Rey Manaj in the upcoming World Cup 2026 play-off against Poland. Manaj, who plays for Sivasspor, suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh during Saturday’s match against Umraniyespor.

Sivasspor confirmed on Sunday that Manaj has a 3C-grade tendon tear with internal bleeding in his left thigh. The injury was detected following an MRI examination. The club had fielded him despite previous training issues, a decision that now complicates Albania’s squad selection ahead of the crucial March 26 match in Poland.

Manaj returned to Sivasspor during the winter transfer window. He remains Albania’s top scorer and the team’s most in-form forward. Losing him represents a major blow to coach Sylvinho’s side in a decisive play-off encounter.

Albania will now have to adjust its attacking strategy, with the absence of its leading goal scorer forcing other forwards to step up. The match against Poland is seen as pivotal for the team’s qualification hopes.

/a.p./