Basel defender Ivan Ivanov has been included in Bulgaria‘s squad for next month’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Croatia and Azerbaijan following a two-year injury absence.
The 27-year-old centre back, the country’s Footballer of the Year in 2013, has not played for the national team since October that year due to a knee problem.
Bulgaria, who visit Croatia on Oct. 10 and host Azerbaijan three days later, have only a mathematical chance of reaching the Euro finals and coach Ivaylo Petev has included four uncapped players in his squad.
Bulgaria are fourth in Group H with eight points from eight matches, six behind Croatia. Italy are top with 18 points.