Serbia Suffer Injury Blow
Ghana's World Cup opponents Serbia have resigned to losing defender Ivica Dragutinovic for their World Cup campaign, with an Achilles tendon injury incurred in training with Sevilla FC, putting an end to his season.
Defender Ivica Dragutinovic will miss Serbia's FIFA World Cup campaign after the 34-year-old tore an Achilles tendon in training with his Spanish club, Sevilla FC.
The 34-year-old, capped 49 times, has scored twice in 20 league games for Sevilla this season but is not expected to play again this term.
Serbia coach Radomir Antic said: “This is a big problem for us. Dragutinovic means so much on the pitch and in the dressing room in terms of morale. He is our oldest player and somebody whose experience helps.
“We must wait for a final diagnosis, and believe that maybe something positive can happen.”
Dragutinovic's club captain Andrés Palop added: “If there is anyone who does not deserve an injury, although nobody deserves one, it was Drago, for everything he has done and what he means to the dressing room.”
A specialist in Finland is set to decide whether Dragutinovic will require surgery.
Serbia have been pooled along with Australia, Germany and Ghana in Group D for the FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
Ghanasoccernet