Juventus youngster Alajbegovic scores and suffers cramps in Bosnia-Sweden draw
Juventus talent Kerim Alajbegovic scored for Bosnia against Sweden but was substituted late on due to muscle cramps.
Kerim Alajbegovic delivered an impressive performance for Bosnia and Herzegovina during their recent match against Sweden. The young midfielder, currently on the books at Juventus, posed a constant threat to the Swedish defense throughout the encounter.
In the 80th minute, Alajbegovic found the back of the net to secure a vital equalizer. His cross from a wide free-kick took a fortunate trajectory, evading all players and bouncing into the far corner past goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.
However, concern arose in the 87th minute when the 17-year-old requested medical attention for his right adductor muscles. Bosnia head coach Sergej Barbarez immediately opted to substitute him, bringing on Zinedin Smajlovic in his place.
Kerim did not want to come off, he had cramp and so we took him off. Many were like him, four matches in such a short time make things difficult. Sergej Barbarez
Speaking after the match, Barbarez moved to reassure fans and staff, confirming that the substitution was purely a precaution due to muscle cramps. The head coach ruled out any serious muscular injury resulting from the incident.