Aleksandar Stankovic has withdrawn from the Serbia national team after suffering a right thigh muscle injury during training. The 20-year-old midfielder will miss the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Germany and Greece.
Stankovic has returned to Inter Milan to begin rehabilitation following discussions between the Serbian national team medical staff and his club. The injury rules him out of Serbia's trip to face Greece on 16 November at 21:45.
Training Camp Injury
The problem arose during Monday's training session on 10 November at Serbia's training complex in Stara Pazova. Stankovic felt sharp discomfort in his right groin during the workout, prompting immediate evaluation by the national team doctors.
Subsequent clinical examinations and diagnostic imaging conducted by the senior medical staff confirmed an adductor injury high in his right thigh. Following the diagnosis, team officials determined that the midfielder could play no part in the international window.
The Football Association of Serbia confirmed the diagnosis in an official statement, noting that Stankovic had been forced to leave the training camp in Stara Pazova. The federation stated that medical staff confirmed the adductor injury after the player reported groin pain, and wished him a swift recovery and an early return to competitive football.
Squad Problems for Serbia
The loss of Stankovic adds to mounting squad concerns for Serbia ahead of their decisive Group C fixture. Serbia will also be without winger Andrija Zivkovic for the match against Greece after he received a red card in their match against Germany.
Stankovic, who came through the youth ranks at Inter Milan, had earned a senior call-up following impressive development in Italy. His absence leaves the Serbian technical staff searching for alternative options in central midfield for two challenging international tests.
Match Preparations in Volos
Greece are preparing to host Serbia in Volos in what has become a crucial encounter for both sides in the Nations League standings. The Greek squad travelled back to Volos seeking to regroup after suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, their worst loss in post-war football history.
Despite that setback, Greece remain in second place in the group and control their qualification prospects heading into Monday's meeting. Greek defender Panagiotis Retsos apologised to supporters for the Amsterdam performance, stressing that the team had to hold their heads high and focus on beating Serbia.
Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic acknowledged that the heavy defeat would hurt his squad for a long time, but insisted that his players must quickly reset their focus. With Serbia missing both Stankovic and Zivkovic, the clash in Volos will prove pivotal for the final group positions.
