Bosnia Coach Sergej Barbarez Blames Newcastle for Amar Dedic’s Worsened Hamstring Injury

Bosnia and Herzegovina manager Sergej Barbarez has openly criticized Newcastle United after defender Amar Dedic aggravated a hamstring injury during a Premier League match against Leeds United. This setback means Dedic faces an extended spell on the sidelines, affecting both club and country.

Dedic's Injury and Its Impact

Dedic initially suffered a hamstring strain in a Carabao Cup game against Millwall earlier this month. Despite the injury, Newcastle chose to field him again in the league match versus Leeds. The gamble failed when Dedic lasted only 58 minutes before having to leave the pitch, prompting fears over his fitness.

Barbarez believes this decision cost Bosnia the defender’s presence in upcoming international matches. The national coach described the injury as more severe than the original one and said Dedic would miss the next three to four weeks, ruling him out of clashes against Poland, Romania, and Sweden.

"He renewed his injury against Leeds, the extent is greater than before. If he had rested that game, he would certainly be with us now," Barbarez said. "Such things happen, but he will be absent for three or four weeks."

Further Setbacks for Bosnia

Dedic isn’t the only player Barbarez must manage without. Midfielder Kenan Busuladzic suffers from a serious knee injury involving torn cruciate ligaments, sidelining him for around nine months.

"We also miss Kenan Busuladzic. He will not be in the game for nine months because he tore his cruciate ligaments," Barbarez confirmed.

To fill the gaps, the coach has introduced four fresh players: Benjamin Tahirovic, Ajdin Hasic, Arjan Malic, and Luka Duric. Duric’s recent performances in Germany’s second division with Paderborn stand out among these call-ups.

"We invited Benjamin Tahirovic, Ajdin Hasic, Arjan Malic, and Luka Duric from Paderborn. He has made progress in his career playing in the Bundesliga," Barbarez said. "Although the start of the season wasn’t significant, we want to see him so he can be part of our team."

Positive Update on Juventus Talent

Amid the injury woes, there was encouraging news about Kerim Alajbegovic, a promising Juventus midfielder who left a recent game early with hip discomfort. After medical checks in Turin and conversations with the player, Barbarez reassured that Alajbegovic’s injury is minor and should not disrupt his availability significantly.

"We spoke with Alajbegovic last night. He felt some hip pain but after examination, he is on his way to Sarajevo. He might rest a day or two, but it shouldn’t be anything serious," Barbarez stated.

Upcoming Fixtures

• UEFA Nations League B: Bosnia vs Poland – 25 Sept 2026, 21:45
• Premier League: Coventry City vs Newcastle United – 12 Oct 2026, 22:00