Romania head coach Gheorghe Hagi has been forced to make a last-minute change to his defensive lineup for the upcoming international window. The national team’s preparations for the friendly matches against Georgia and Wales have been disrupted by an injury crisis, prompting an emergency recall.

The player affected is Bogdan Racovițan, a defender who plays for the Polish club Raków Częstochowa. He was initially selected for Hagi’s first squad since returning to manage the national team. However, medical issues sustained after his last club match have ruled him out of the upcoming fixtures. Consequently, Hagi had to look for immediate reinforcements to stabilize the backline.

The solution came from the domestic league. Hagi called up Adrian Rus, the experienced center-back from Universitatea Craiova. The Romanian Football Federation confirmed the swap via social media, stating that Rus would replace Racovițan for both matches. This move ensures the team maintains defensive depth despite the setback.

Key fixtures under Hagi's new tenure

These two friendlies represent the first competitive tests for Hagi since his reappointment. The stakes are higher than usual for a friendly, as the coach needs to evaluate his squad and implement his tactical ideas quickly. The first match will be played away, adding an extra layer of difficulty for the newly assembled group.

Romania will face Georgia on Tuesday, June 2, at 20:00 local time. The game will take place at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi. Facing a Georgian side known for their physicality and technical ability, Romania will need a solid defensive performance to secure a positive result. The absence of Racovițan means Rus must adapt quickly to the international pace.

The second test comes five days later, on Saturday, June 6. Romania will host Wales at the Steaua Stadium in Bucharest. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45. Playing at home offers a chance to build momentum and test the new defensive partnership in front of a supportive crowd. The match against Wales provides a good benchmark, given the Welsh team’s experience in major tournaments. Hagi will use this opportunity to assess his players’ readiness for future competitive challenges.