Serbia faces Slovenia in Euro 2024 today, with Filip Kostic out but Dusan Tadic set to play despite recent criticism of his manager.
Team News and Injury Updates
Serbia’s Filip Kostic, the Juventus winger, was forced off in the first half of their opening Group C defeat by England in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. As feared by Serbia’s boss Dragan Stojkovic, Kostic’s injury is significant, and he will now return home. “He will undergo all the necessary medical check-ups,” Stojkovic said post-match. “He has felt pain in the external part of his knee. I suspect ligament issues but cannot confirm until we have detailed medical results. He currently has ice on his knees.”
With Kostic sidelined, Filip Mladenovic is the likely candidate to take over at left wing-back for Serbia against Slovenia, as he did when he replaced Kostic against England.
Captain Dusan Tadic, who was surprisingly named a substitute for the opening match and only played the final 30 minutes, is expected to start this time. This comes after his public criticism regarding the decision not to start him against England. Tadic’s inclusion in the starting lineup would probably see Fulham’s Sasa Lukic drop to the bench, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic moving to a deeper role.
Serbia’s Predicted XI
Goalkeeper: Rajkovic
Defenders: Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic
Midfielders: Zivkovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Gudelj, Mladenovic
Forwards: Tadic, Mitrovic, Vlahovic
Slovenia’s Team Updates
Slovenia did not pick up any injury issues in their draw with Denmark on Sunday. With a point already secured, a victory over Serbia could guarantee Slovenia a spot in the last-16 before they face England in their final group-stage match in Cologne on Tuesday.
Benjamin Sesko will lead the line again, hoping to net his first goal of the tournament after hitting the woodwork against Denmark. Benjamin Verbic might come into the side if coach Matjaz Kek decides to make changes. Verbic, who was recovering from a hamstring injury before the tournament, made the bench against Denmark and played for 25 minutes.
Slovenia’s Predicted XI
Goalkeeper: Oblak
Defenders: Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza
Midfielders: Stojanovic, Elsnik, Cerin, Mlakar
Forwards: Sporar, Sesko
The stage is set for an exciting encounter as both teams aim to secure crucial points in their quest for Euro 2024 glory.
