Serbia coach Veljko Paunovic has announced that Dusan Vlahovic will not join the national team ahead of matches against Germany and Greece because of a personal matter. In comments reported by Sabah, Paunovic declined to give details on the player’s behalf. The same article, citing A Spor, reported that Vlahovic will continue training in İstanbul during the international break.
According to Paunovic, Vlahovic told him he had a personal matter to resolve. The coach did not disclose any details and said it would not be right to speak on the player’s behalf. Paunovic’s statement therefore identifies a personal reason for the absence without providing further information about the nature of that matter.
In comments reported by Sabah, Paunovic said Vlahovic should be asked whether he was ready to answer questions. He thus indicated that it was for the player to explain his reason for not joining the squad.
According to A Spor, Vlahovic requested leave from the Serbia national team and brought his personal trainer and physiotherapist to İstanbul to make use of the international break. The report said he would also take part in Beşiktaş’s team training sessions in İstanbul alongside his individual work. This training plan is information attributed to A Spor, separate from Paunovic’s statement. For Serbia, Paunovic said Vlahovic’s absence would give other players a chance to demonstrate their readiness and commitment to the national team. The coach’s assessment frames the absence not only as a loss but also as a period in which other players can prove themselves.
Sabah’s report also puts the 26-year-old’s current market value at 32 million euros, citing Transfermarkt data.
According to Sabah, Vlahovic was absent from Serbia’s squad for the previous international break because of an injury. This time, Paunovic has cited a personal matter. According to Sabah, Vlahovic’s current contract with Beşiktaş expires in 2029.
Key facts
Why is Vlahovic not joining the national team?
Impact on Beşiktaş and Serbia’s training plans
Questions about Vlahovic
Why was Vlahovic absent from the previous international squad?
When does Vlahovic’s Beşiktaş contract expire?