Serbia coach Veljko Paunović has ruled out Dušan Vlahović, Strahinja Pavlović and Aleksa Terzić for the team's final two UEFA Nations League matches against Germany and Greece.
- Vlahović is absent for what Paunović described as a private situation.
- Terzić is recovering from an infection, and Pavlović is under medical observation after a renal knock.
- Győr defender Miljan Krpić has been called up as Pavlović's replacement.
- Serbia are bottom of Group A2 with zero points from four games.
- Serbia play Germany on November 13 in Belgrade and Greece on November 16 in Volos.
Serbia head coach Veljko Paunović has announced that Dušan Vlahović, Strahinja Pavlović and Aleksa Terzić will miss the national team's remaining UEFA Nations League matches against Germany and Greece. Győr defender Miljan Krpić has been called up as a replacement for Pavlović.
Paunović spoke to reporters on Monday at the Football Association of Serbia Sports Centre in Stara Pazova. He said Terzić is recovering from an infection, while Pavlović is under medical observation after a knock in the renal region.
Krpić gets his chance
"For that reason, we subsequently called up Milan Krpić from Győr. There have been questions about him, we will give him an opportunity to show what he is like," Paunović said. The coach referred to the player as Milan, while the source report names the defender as Miljan Krpić.
Vlahović absent for private reasons
Paunović said Vlahović had told him he would miss the games because of a "private situation." The coach did not give further details and said it would not be right to speak on the player's behalf.
"That is all I can say. It would not be alright to say anything on his behalf. So, you should ask him, if he is ready to give you an answer. It is a loss for us but, at the same time, it is an opportunity for the next player to demonstrate preparedness and loyalty. We turn to all those who are available and we expect that, whoever gets a chance, will be up to the task," Paunović said.
Standing in Group A2
Serbia are bottom of Group A2 with zero points from four games. The Netherlands lead the group with eight points, followed by Greece with eight and Germany with five.
Upcoming fixtures
- November 13: Serbia v Germany at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade
- November 16: Greece v Serbia in Volos
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dušan Vlahović missing Serbia's Nations League games?
Vlahović told coach Veljko Paunović he would miss the matches due to a "private situation." Paunović declined to give further details.
Why are Strahinja Pavlović and Aleksa Terzić out?
Terzić is recovering from an infection, while Pavlović is under medical observation after a knock in the renal region.
Who replaces Strahinja Pavlović in the Serbia squad?
Győr defender Miljan Krpić has been called up as Pavlović's replacement, and Paunović says he wants to see what the player can offer.
Where is Serbia's position in Nations League Group A2?
Serbia are bottom of Group A2 with zero points from four games, while the Netherlands lead with eight points.
When and where are Serbia's remaining Nations League matches?
Serbia face Germany on November 13 at the Rajko Mitić Stadium in Belgrade, and Greece on November 16 in Volos.
