Amar Dedić Injury Controversy: Newcastle's Handling Under Fire
Newcastle’s handling of Amar Dedić’s fitness has come under fire after the Bosnia and Herzegovina defender was ruled out of international duty with a serious hamstring injury.
The right-back had settled quickly at St James’ Park and looked an early-season success story. Then his body gave way. What began as a concern in a Carabao Cup tie at Millwall has now spiralled into a full-blown row between club and country.
Barbarez points the finger
The flashpoint came with Newcastle’s decision to start Dedić in the Premier League against Leeds United just days after that initial problem. He lasted 58 minutes of the defeat before signalling that he could not continue. For Bosnia head coach Sergej Barbarez, that was the moment everything changed.
Speaking in Sarajevo, Barbarez did not bother to sugar-coat his frustration. He argued that the setback was avoidable and that Newcastle should have protected the player after the first strain.
He explained that the fresh damage sustained against Leeds was “greater than before,” a clear escalation from the Millwall injury. In his view, a rest that weekend would have kept Dedić in his squad for this international window and on the pitch for crucial Nations League fixtures.
The cost is heavy. Bosnia must now face Poland, Romania, and Sweden without one of their key defenders.
“I would like to say a few technical things regarding the extent of Amar Dedić’s injury. He renewed his injury against Leeds, the extent of the injury is greater than before. If he had rested that game, he would certainly be with us now, but such things happen. He will be absent for three or four weeks. He will not be ready for these four games,” Barbarez said.
A promising start in England has been abruptly stalled. For Dedić, the next month is about rehabilitation rather than building on early momentum. For Newcastle, awkward questions linger over risk, reward, and medical calls made in a packed schedule.
Busuladzić blow deepens Bosnia’s problems
As if losing Dedić was not damaging enough, Barbarez must also cope with a far more brutal update on Kenan Busuladzić.
The young midfielder has suffered a torn cruciate ligament and faces around nine months on the sidelines. Any hopes of a swift return have vanished. His season, and possibly most of the next, is effectively gone.
“We also miss Kenan Busuladzić. He will not be in the game for nine months because he tore his cruciate ligaments,” Barbarez confirmed, delivering another hammer blow to his plans.
Two important pieces of his long-term puzzle have been removed in the space of one camp. The Nations League window has suddenly become a test of depth and adaptability rather than continuity.
New faces drafted in
Barbarez has reacted by reshaping his squad. Four players have been called up to plug gaps and audition for bigger roles.
Benjamin Tahirović, Ajdin Hasić, Arjan Malić, and Luka Durić have all been promoted to the senior setup. For Durić, currently impressing in the German second tier with Paderborn, it marks a significant step in his career.
“We handed out several invitations, we invited Benjamin Tahirović, Ajdin Hasić, Arjan Malić and Luka Durić from Paderborn. He made a step forward in his career, he plays in the Bundesliga. Although the start of the season was not the most important thing, we want to see him in action so that he can be part of our team,” Barbarez said.
The message is clear: injuries will not be an excuse. Perform, and there is a pathway. With four games crammed into a short window, these newcomers will not be short of opportunities to stake a claim.
Alajbegović scare eases
At least one cloud has lifted.
Kerim Alajbegović, the Juventus talent who had sparked fresh alarm when he was withdrawn at half-time against Atalanta, has been cleared of any serious problem. Early fears of another long-term absentee have eased after consultations with the club’s medical staff.
“We spoke with Alajbegović last night. He is slightly injured, he felt pain in his hip. Juventus doctors examined him last night and he is on his way to Sarajevo. He may take a break for a day or two, but it shouldn’t be anything special,” Barbarez said.
A minor hip issue instead of another major lay-off changes the mood around the camp. Bosnia still look stretched, but not broken.
The question now is whether Barbarez’s patched-up squad can turn this injury-hit window into a springboard, or whether the absence of Dedić and Busuladzić will define their Nations League campaign before it even starts.
