Panathinaikos will be bolstered by Levi Garcia in next Tuesday’s crucial rematch against CSKA 1948 in Sofia for the third qualifyingqualifying round of the Conference League.
The forward from Trinidad and Tobago participated in yesterday’s practice and is in excellent shape, as he had gone through Spartak Moscow’s entire preseason and played in three friendlies, although he did not see any playing time in the first two matches of the Russian league or the Super Cup, as his transfer had already been arranged.
The 28-year-old star is expected to play in the second leg, perhaps even as a starter. With Tetei’s participation in doubt and Desers—who is on the European roster but hasn’t played in a match since December 16— in a friendly between Nigeria and Egypt ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
As for a replacement for the suspended Tsapras, it appears the options are either the young Katris or the attack-minded Zarouri, with the former being the front-runner.
The fact is that Panathinaikos will have a large crowd cheering them on in Sofia. Of the 1,600 tickets that had been secured, over 1,000 have already been sold, and the rest are expected to sell out soon. If that happens, it’s likely that more tickets will be requested, since CSKA 1948 will be playing at “Vasil Levski,” which has a capacity of 43,000 spectators, and is not expected to fill its own stadium.
*photo source: pao.gr
