Blow for Croatia as Joško Gvardiol to miss UEFA Nations League Finals
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Joško Gvardiol will miss the UEFA Nations League Final Four due to an abdominal injury, the Croatian Football Federation confirmed on Saturday.
Gvardiol joined the squad in Rijeka with an abdominal wall injury and has spent the past few days undergoing intensive treatment.
The medical staff of the Croatian national team determined that despite Joško’s efforts and treatment, the RB Leipzig defender will not be able to recover in time to compete in the upcoming Nations League matches.
As a result, Gvardiol will leave the national team camp and continue his treatment in consultation with his club.
Croatia faces the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Wednesday, 14 June in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League. Italy and Spain will meet in the the other semi-final.
Gvardiol’s absence from the UEFA Nations League tournament comes as a blow to the Croatian national team. The young defender had established himself as a standout player during Croatia’s campaign in the World Cup held in Qatar. His performances were impressive, showcasing his defensive prowess and versatility on the field.
Joško Gvardiol propustit će završni turnir Uefine Lige nacija zbog ozljede trbušnog zida. Usprkos Joškovim naporima i intenzivnom tretmanu, ne može biti spreman i konkurirati za F4. Jošku želimo kvalitetan oporavak! pic.twitter.com/f0VEoc6tgQ
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) June 10, 2023
At just 20 years old, Gvardiol exhibited great maturity and composure in the backline, making crucial tackles, interceptions, and contributing to Croatia’s defensive solidity. His ability to read the game and make timely interventions earned him praise from fans and experts alike.
Coach Zlatko Dalić has called up Dion Drena Beljo to replace Gvardiol in the squad.
Following Joško Gvardiol’s injury, head coach @DalicZlatko has added Dion Drena Beljo to the #Croatia squad for the #NationsLeague Finals! #UNL #Family #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/LEkrGsxvQX
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) June 10, 2023
The striker was initially in the wider squad when it was announced last month.
