Slovenia announce preliminary squad for Euro 2024; Josip Ilicic, Jan Oblak included

RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko was also picked up by Matjaz Kek

When Matjaz Kek announced his tentative Euro 2024 team, Slovenia forward Josip Ilicic—who is 36 years old and making his international return in almost two years—came as a surprising inclusion.

Ilicic, who has made 79 appearances for Slovenia and scored 16 goals, last competed for his nation in November 2021. After struggling with mental health concerns, he left Serie A club Atalanta and returned to Slovenian club Maribor.

With his eight league goals this campaign and Maribor’s second-place position in the standings, he has earned himself a chance to participate in a major competition at last.

Kek has to eliminate four players before releasing his official list because he named a 30-man squad. Slovenia will play two friendlies against Bulgaria and Armenia before travelling to Germany to play Group C matches against Denmark, Serbia, and England.

In addition to 31-year-old Atletico Madrid custodian Jan Oblak, Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, who scored five goals to lead Slovenia in qualification, is also included in the team.

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Slovenia’s preliminary squad for UEFA Euro 2024

Goalkeepers: Jan Oblak, Vid Belec, Igor Vekic, Matevz Vidovsek

Defenders: Jure Balkovec, Jaka Bijol, Miha Blazic, David Brekalo, Vanja Drkusic, Erik Janza, Zan Karnicnik, Petar Stojanovic, Zan Zaletel

Midfielders: Timi Maks Elsnik, Adam Gnezda-Cerin, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Tomi Horvat, Jasmin Kurtic, Sandi Lovric, Benjamin Verbic, Miha Zajc, Adrian Zeljkovic, Nino Zugelj

Forwards: Zan Celar, Josip Ilicic, Jan Mlakar, Benjamin Sesko, Andraz Sporar, Zan Vipotnik, Luka Zahovic 

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