The Serbian national team once again proved to be a hopeless case last Thursday when it failed to qualify for the European Championship. Now relegation is also looming in the Nations League – and Corona is interfering too.
Ahead of the final Nations League match against Russia, the Serbian FA (FSS) announced that three players, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio Roma), Darko Lazovic (Hellas Verona) and goalkeeper Djordje Nikolic (FC Basel), tested positive for COVID-19 after the recent 1-1 draw in Hungary and have been isolated from the rest of the team.
The trio is thus definitely out for the important match against Russia. (Still) national coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic already has to do without Luka Milivojevic (Crystal Palace), who had already tested positive for the virus earlier, and Aleksandar Kolarov (Inter Milan), who has a thigh injury.
Serbia are last in Group B4 with three points and in danger of being relegated. Only a win against Russia and a simultaneous defeat of Turkey in Hungary would secure their place in the league, as the Serbs have won the direct comparison with Turkey on the basis of the away goals rule. Russia, meanwhile, are in a long-distance duel with Hungary for first place – and thus promotion to the A-League. One win will be enough for the Sbornaja.
