Serbia boss Dragan Stojković admits Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is still not fully fit: ‘It’s a matter of concern for us.’
The Bianconeri star remained on the bench during Serbia’s 3-3 draw against Cameroon at the World Cup on Monday and appears to be still dealing with a groin injury.
“Dusan is not fully fit, I needed someone ready. It’s still not ready to play at this level and it’s a matter of concern for us,” Stojković said at his post-match press conference, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
Vlahovic was introduced in the second half of Serbia’s debut at Qatar 2022 against Brazil last week, but his last competitive appearance for Juventus dates back to October 25, when he played 70 minutes in a 4-3 loss against Benfica in the Champions League.
He missed the following matches against Lecce, Inter, Verona and Lazio in Serie A and PSG in the Champions League.
His agent Darko Ristic admitted at the beginning of November that Vlahovic’s physical issue was ‘unpleasant’ but hoped his client would have been 100% fit for the game against Brazil.
The Serbian striker has scored seven goals in 15 appearances with the Bianconeri this term.
Ok now stop blaming fitness issues and others and start worrying about fixing how you lost a 2 goal lead today maybe.
Thanks coach for saving our striker, we will need him fit.
I knew his lack of playing time in the leadup would be an issue.