Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic confirms that Juventus winger Filip Kostic is available for tomorrow’s World Cup match against Cameroon, though it remains to be seen if he or teammate Dusan Vlahovic will start.
Stojkovic had caused controversy when blaming Juve medical staff and boss Max Allegri for the poor condition of the two players going into the tournament in Qatar.
Vlahovic came on as a substitute for 24 minutes in the 2-0 defeat to Brazil on Thursday, but he hopes to get more playing time in Monday’s crunch fixture with Cameroon.
Kostic was not in the squad at all, but he could get his World Cup debut tomorrow.
“The situation is not excellent, but I am satisfied compared to what we had before. The situation is better and that makes me happy,” said Stojkovic at a press conference.
“He has been training with the team for the last two sessions…I liked the intensity he worked at, which shows he is ready to play. I am glad he is fit and that we can count on him.
“I can’t say if he will be playing but he is one of the potential players, which was not the case earlier. The way he runs and his physical engagement in training has shown that is going to be OK and that makes me happy.”
Kostic just turned 30 and joined Juventus in August from Eintracht Frankfurt at a cost of €13m plus bonuses.
So far, he has contributed one goal and six assists in 21 games for the Bianconeri between Serie A and the Champions League.
Doesn’t using the word ‘bow’ suggest an ending?
Yet it’s about the player possibly drawing into the Lineup.
😂