Cesar backs Slovenia to overcome Sesko loss against Scots

Slovenia head coach Bostjan Cesar is convinced his side are capable of generating "new energy" and their "true colours" despite the loss of three key players in three days before starting their Nations League campaign at home to Scotland on Saturday. Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko was the major blow, but then two replacements - Viborg defender Zan Zaletel and Jagiellonia Bialystok forward Nik Prelec, who had been drafted into the squad after injuries to defenders Kenan Bajric and Marcel Ratnik - also withdrew. Omonia left-back Jure Balkovec and Basel forward Zan Celar, plus Celje goalkeeper Zan Luka Leban, were the latest additions and Cesar lamented: "We had quite a few problems, a bit more of a headache for me. "But new players came in who were already in the national team, so they're no strangers to it, they've fitted in well." Captain Jan Oblak, meanwhile, backed his side to overcome the loss of Sesko, who he believes "will succeed" with United once he recovers from the recurrence of a shin injury that has hampered his career since his move from RB Leipzig last year. "I believe the team is good," the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper said. "We are all aware that it is not an individual who will take us to the European Championships but a team." Oblak suggested the new Nations League format - with four fixtures in quick succession - favours the larger nations with a bigger playing pool but insists his side cannot "use it as an excuse". Meanwhile, as Slovenia look to beat Scotland for the first time in five meetings, Cesar, who took charge in January after their failure to qualify for the World Cup, aims to return to a style that previously brought the national team success - being hard to break down and playing with speed on the break.