Bosnia boss Sergej Barbarez slams Newcastle over Amar Dedic injury

Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez has voiced strong criticism regarding how Newcastle United managed the fitness of Amar Dedic. The national team boss believes the Premier League club took an unnecessary gamble by playing the defender against Leeds United, which ultimately resulted in the player aggravating a pre-existing hamstring injury.

Dedic first suffered the injury during a Carabao Cup tie against Millwall earlier this month. Despite the initial strain, he was selected for the following league match against Leeds, where he was forced off after 58 minutes. Barbarez insists the setback was entirely preventable had the club prioritized the defender's recovery.

I would like to say a few technical things regarding the extent of Amar Dedic’s injury. He renewed his injury against Leeds, the extent of the injury is greater than before. If he had rested that game, he would certainly be with us now, but such things happen. He will be absent for three or four weeks. Sergej Barbarez

The situation has caused significant disruption to the national team's preparations for their upcoming matches against Poland, Romania, and Sweden. Alongside Dedic's absence, Barbarez confirmed a devastating injury blow for midfielder Kenan Busuladzic, who will be sidelined for approximately nine months following a torn cruciate ligament.

To bolster his squad, Barbarez has called up four new players, including Paderborn defender Luka Duric. Meanwhile, there was a minor positive update regarding Kerim Alajbegovic; the Juventus youngster suffered a hip concern against Atalanta but is expected to join the squad after receiving medical clearance in Turin.