Juventus midfielder Filip Kostic will not be able to take part in the Euro 2024 qualifying match against Montenegro due to an Achilles injury.
The 30-year-old played a full part in Friday’s 2-0 victory over Lithuania and secured an early debut for Dusan Tadić.
But Kostic will not be available against Montenegro at the Podgorica City Stadium on Monday as he returned to his club for treatment.
“This is bad news for us,” Serbia head coach Dragan Stojkovic said at a pre-match press conference on Sunday. “He left the team because he had Achilles tendonitis.
“There is no need to take risks with him. It was decided to return to the club. I’m always sorry when a player gets injured – there’s nothing worse for a coach.”
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Juventus are hoping Kostic will be available for a tight series of matches when they return to the game later this week.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side will play nine games in three competitions in April, starting with Serie A’s Saturday meeting against Hellas Verona at the Allianz Stadium.
Kostic has played in 38 of Juventus’ 39 games this season – only Danilo has done so regularly – and has 11 assists to his credit, as well as three goals.