AEK conducts friendly matches to prepare for official return

AEK is conducting friendly matches during the international break to maintain match fitness and test squad depth.

In one fixture, AEK faces Panetolikos at the Elliniko stadium. Coach Marko Nikolic is treating this as a training exercise rather than a priority for results, aiming to provide playing time to available players and evaluate the readiness of the squad. Due to 16 absences caused by international duties and other issues, several U19 players are expected to feature alongside the first team. Specific focus will be placed on the fitness of Babis Lykogiannis and Joao Mario.

In a separate match, AEK will face Apollon at the AEK Arena. Coach Ruben Segies intends to use the 90 minutes to work on tactical elements and defensive stability. The team has conceded goals in all six of its official matches so far this season, highlighting a need to reduce individual errors in the defense and midfield. While players like Bajic and Pankov are expected to return from minor issues, others like Chacon and Amin remain sidelined or in gradual recovery.