Serbia’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of Euro 2024 have taken a significant hit with the news that winger Filip Kostic will be returning home after suffering a knee injury. The 31-year-old Juventus player was forced off the field in the 43rd minute of Serbia’s opening 1-0 defeat to England after a challenge with midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Following a scan, team doctors confirmed that Kostic had sustained a partial lesion of the lateral collateral ligament. While surgery is not required, the injury will necessitate at least two weeks of recovery, ruling him out of Serbia’s remaining group stage matches. Despite the setback, Kostic will remain with the squad and observe their second group game against Slovenia from the sidelines before returning to Serbia for treatment and rehabilitation.
Kostic’s absence is a major blow for Serbia, who are currently at the bottom of Group G. The experienced winger, with 64 caps for his country, was a key player in their hopes of progressing to the next round. His return date remains uncertain, but it is clear that his absence will be felt by the Serbian team as they face Slovenia at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday.
