Missing Players and team news:
Slovenia’s number one Oblak is likely to be protected by Bojan Jokic once again, as the 100-cap left-back has returned to the squad and will be his side’s most experienced player for March’s fixtures, so a battle for the armband could ensue between the pair. Serie A is well-represented in Kek’s midfield ranks, as Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic, Parma’s Jasmin Kurtic and Genoa’s Miha Zajc are all included in the squad and in contention to start on Wednesday. However, Dynamo Kiev’s Benjamin Verbic will not be taking part due to injury, while Hannover’s Jaka Bijol is observing a quarantine period and may not be involved despite his selection. Rakitic has fond memories of playing against Slovenia, but the Sevilla man has now retired from international duty, while Ante Rebic, Marko Rog and Bruno Petkovic will play no part due to injuries. In a completely farcical situation, vice-captain Domagoj Vida played 45 minutes in November’s friendly against Turkey before finding out he had contracted coronavirus, but the 84-cap defender is back in the fold and ready for action this week. With Rebic and Petkovic in the treatment room, Kramaric seems set to lead the line for the visitors, with Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric anchoring the midfield.