Riga, Latvia – A late injury to FK Liepāja midfielder Bruno Melnis has prompted a roster change for the Latvian national team ahead of crucial UEFA Nations League matches against Gibraltar. Latvia head coach Paolo Nicolato has called up Danila Patijčuks, too of FK Liepāja, as a replacement, the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) announced on Thursday, March 21, 2026. The matches, pivotal for Latvia’s standing in UEFA Nations League C, will be played on March 26th in Gibraltar and March 31st at the Skonto Stadium in Riga.
The injury to Melnis occurred during a Virslīga match against Ogre United on Sunday, March 20th. He entered the game in the 75th minute but suffered discomfort in his leg just five minutes later in what appeared to be a non-contact incident. Further medical evaluation revealed a leg fracture, sidelining the 22-year-old for at least several months. This is a significant blow for Latvia, as Melnis had recently returned to action and earned four appearances for the national team under Nicolato, including a debut last summer in a friendly against Azerbaijan.
Patijčuks, also 22, steps into the squad as a direct replacement for his club teammate. While Patijčuks received his first national team call-up in November 2025, he is still awaiting his senior debut for Latvia. He provides a familiar presence within the squad, having trained alongside Melnis at FK Liepāja. The call-up represents a significant opportunity for the young midfielder to prove himself on the international stage.
The upcoming matches against Gibraltar are critical for Latvia’s ambitions in the UEFA Nations League. The winner of the two-legged tie will compete in UEFA Nations League C in the autumn, while the loser will be relegated to League D. The stakes are high as Latvia aims to maintain its position in the third tier of European international football.
Nicolato’s 27-player squad for the March training camp also includes notable returns. Midfielder Eduards Emsis is back in contention after a two-year absence and striker Roberts Uldriķis has recovered from a long-term injury and is also included. Still, the team will be without captain Kristers Tobers and forward Raimonds Krollis due to health concerns. English Premier League defender Dennis Cirkins is also part of the squad but is currently unable to play.
Here is the full list of players called up by Paolo Nikolato:
Goalkeepers: Rihards Matrevics (Prague Dukla, Czech Republic), Krišjānis Zviedris, Frenks Dāvids Orols (both Riga).
Defenders: Roberts Savaļnieks, Roberts Veips, Niks Sliede (all RFS), Andrejs Cigaņiks (Luzern, Switzerland), Raivis Andris Jurkovskis, Antonijs Černomordijs, Emīls Birka (all Riga), Vitālijs Jagodinskis (Visakha, Cambodia), Daniels Balodis (Prešov Tatran, Slovakia), Deniss Meļņiks (Auda), Denniss Cirkins (Sunderland, England).
Midfielders: Jānis Ikaunieks, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs (both RFS), Aleksejs Saveļjevs (Asia Talas, Kyrgyzstan), Eduards Emsis (Super Nova), Renārs Varslavāns (Riga), Lūkass Vapne (Sogndal, Norway), Kristers Penkevics (Zln, Czech Republic), Kristaps Grabovskis (B93, Denmark), Danila Patijčuks (Liepāja).
Forwards: Vladislavs Gutkovskis (Gdynia Arka, Poland), Roberts Uldriķis (Bielefeld Arminia, Germany), Marko Regža (Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic), Dario Šits (Atletico Madrid, Spain).
The injury to Bruno Melnis underscores the physical demands of professional football and the unpredictable nature of international competition. For Patijčuks, this is a chance to seize an opportunity and contribute to Latvia’s UEFA Nations League campaign. Fans will be watching closely to see how the young midfielder performs when given his chance on the pitch.
Latvia’s first match against Gibraltar on March 26th will kick off at [Time to be confirmed – local time in Gibraltar and UTC]. The return leg at the Skonto Stadium on March 31st is scheduled for [Time to be confirmed – local time in Riga and UTC].
The Latvian national team will be looking to build on recent performances and secure a positive result in these crucial UEFA Nations League matches. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Nicolato’s squad is determined to compete at the highest level possible.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on Latvia’s UEFA Nations League campaign and all the latest news from the world of football.
