The Malta squad flew into Yerevan in the early hours of this morning ahead of their 2014 World Cup Group B qualifier against Armenia on Friday.

Malta usually travel with an 18-man squad for away games but with the MFA chartering the flight to Armenia, coach Pietro Ghedin received the go-ahead to take 22 players.

After checking in at the Marriott Hotel around 6 am, the Malta players were given the morning off to rest and recover from the journey.

Three experienced players haven't made the trip for different reasons.

Goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, who turned out for Cypriot club Neon Enosis Paralimni last season, pulled out of the squad with a back problem and defender Andrei Agius is unavailable as his Serie C1 club Latina will face Pisa in the first leg of their promotion play- off final on Sunday.

Valletta midfielder Ryan Fenech is also absent as he's getting married this weekend.

Malta are due to hold a training session at the FC Banants Stadium this evening.

Malta lost 2-0 at home to Italy in their last qualifier in March, their fifth defeat in as many matches.

Armenia have three points thanks to their 1-0 win over Malta in the opening qualifier back in September.

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