Pūlis and Pateijčuks called up for the first time, Nicolato names his squad for October games

Ingars Pūlis. Image credit to Ēriks Matīss

Latvia’s head coach Paolo Nicolato has announced his squad for the October training camp, which will conclude the year’s home fixtures. Among the notable headlines are two first-time call-ups: FK Tukums 2000 striker Ingars Pūlis and FK Liepāja attacking midfielder Danila Patijčuks.

The selection, however, comes with several absentees. Striker Dario Šits was missing from Atlético Madrid’s reserve squad list in their most recent match, Bruno Melnis picked up an ankle injury in a league fixture against FK Grobiņa, while Alvis Jaunzems is sidelined for undisclosed reasons. Once again, Czech-based forward Raimonds Krollis is not included, and national team captain Kristers Tobers is out long-term after suffering a serious knee injury with Aberdeen.

Among the newcomers, Patijčuks has impressed under Swedish coach Andreas Alm at FK Liepāja, earning trust and playing a key role in recent matches. Pūlis, meanwhile, has emerged as the league’s second-highest scorer with 16 goals. At 24, he earns his first-ever senior call-up, having never previously represented Latvia at youth level. With several strikers unavailable, the in-form marksman now has the chance to prove himself on the international stage.

Latvia’s October camp will feature two home matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at BTA Daugava Stadium. On October 11 (16:00), the team hosts Andorra, before facing a sold-out clash against England’s star-studded squad on October 14 (21:45).

Latvia National Team Squad:

Goalkeepers