Maksim Paskotši returns to pitch after five-month layoff

Estonia defender Maksim Paskotši has made his return to competitive football after a five-and-a-half-month absence caused by an ankle injury. The national team player had been restricted to training during the recovery period and was finally able to rejoin match action in European competition.

Paskotši's Belgian club Gent faced Swedish side Göteborg in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round. The defender was brought on as a substitute in the 86th minute, when Gent were already ahead. The team's only goal came just before half-time, and despite late pressure from the hosts, the score remained 1-0. Gent thus returned to Belgium with a narrow away victory.

Another Estonia international, Mattias Käit, was unavailable for Swiss club Thun in their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg because of a foot injury. Thun did not miss him, as they comfortably defeated Iceland's Víkingur Reykjavík 3-0 at home.

Both Estonian players' clubs will play their return matches on 13 August.