Serbian eyebrows were raised when Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrović missed the game against Manchester City. Serbia’s main concern was whether he would be available for the first World Cup match.
For Manchester United, their main concern was whether they would have to fend off the prolific striker.
And according to Sport Witness, the Fulham attacker will not be on the list to face Lisandro Martínez this Sunday.
One less headache for United
Fortunately for Serbia (and Manchester United), Mitrović is set to return to form for the opening match of the World Cup, but not for Sunday’s match at Craven Cottage, according to Sportal in Serbia.
The caveat about the star striker’s return is that he will no longer play a role in the game against the Red Devils before his trip to Qatar.
Having exacted revenge on Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup with a thrilling victory, Erik ten Hag will welcome the news.
After Villa’s harsh lesson in the league, United will be happy to learn that Marco Silva’s side will be without their star goalscorer.
Mitrović’s virtuoso performances are an asset to the Craven Cottage side. In just 12 appearances, he has nine goals to his name.
It is proof of his pedigree as a striker in the Premier League after a successful season in the Championship.
A sigh of relief for Serbia, a headache for Fulham
The Serb’s performances this season mean his selection for the World Cup squad is little more than a formality.
However, his fitness level for the opener against five-time World Cup champions Brazil remains a concern from a Serbian perspective.
Serbia, ideally, want him to take part in the first match and their next match against Cameroon.
The publication informs that Mitrović and Dusan Vlahovic will be in the squad that faces the Seleção. Sportal ends Serbia’s concerns and states that “both injuries are in the process of rehabilitation.”
The outlet confirms that the Fulham attacker will ‘certainly miss’ the match against the Red Devils. It is United’s last game before the World Cup in Qatar.
Taking a long-term view, the reason behind making Mitrović sit out is “so as not to risk anything, both for Fulham and for the national team”.
