Ionuț Radu withdraws from Romania squad for Nations League due to shoulder injury

The Romanian Football Federation confirmed on November 6, 2026, that goalkeeper Ionuț Radu is unavailable for the national team's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. Radu will miss the home match against Poland on November 14 and the away game against Bosnia on November 17 due to medical problems. The federation stated he will not be part of the squad for this month's matches following confirmation of his health situation.

Celta Vigo sent an official letter to the national team medical staff regarding Radu's condition following his preliminary call-up. A medical report dated November 1, 2026, identified old degenerative changes in the goalkeeper's right shoulder that require strict rest. Radu confirmed his medical situation and expressed a desire to undergo treatment to address the shoulder problem during the international break.

Despite the diagnosis, Radu played 90 minutes in Celta Vigo's 1-2 Europa League loss to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on the evening before the FRF announcement. The 29-year-old has made 17 appearances for club and country combined this season. He has conceded 16 goals in 15 matches for Celta Vigo and six goals in two matches for Romania during the current campaign.

Fanatik reports that Laurențiu Popescu has a high probability of being selected by coach Gică Hagi as the replacement goalkeeper. Reports indicate Hagi must choose between Popescu and Ștefan Târnovanu for the third goalkeeper spot in the squad. Valentin Cojocaru was also part of the previous national team squad.

Radu started as Romania's number one goalkeeper in earlier Nations League losses of 1-2 to Sweden and 2-4 to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Otto Hindrich replaced him in goal for the subsequent 0-6 defeat to Poland and 0-1 loss against Sweden. Romania currently occupies last place in Group B4 with Sweden, Bosnia, and Poland, having zero points after four matches.

Regarding other potential squad members, Fanatik reports that Marius Corbu is expected to be included in Hagi's squad for the matches against Poland and Bosnia. Conversely, Ianis Stoica reportedly has low chances of being named to the list for the training camp at Mogoșoaia.