Saša Lukić
IPS
CM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Aug 13, 1996 (30)
Right
6'0"
168 lb
IpswichThree crosses in defeat
Lukic registered three crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Friday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool.
Analysis: Lukic sent in three crosses, coming from three corners during Friday's defeat. It was an odd game as Liverpool pulled out to a big lead in the opening 10 minutes. It was hard for Lukic to really get involved from open play as Liverpool controlled the match from start-to-finish. Against other opponents, Lukic should have more of a chance to pull the strings.
Two corners in heavy loss
Lukic had one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 5-2 loss versus Manchester United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 33rd minute.
Analysis: Lukic continued his run where he has started both games this season. Last week, he provided an assist in the game and has created a chance in both games. In this match he took two corners and is Ipswich's main set piece taker after two games with four. Defensively, he was also strong winning two of his three tackles and making five clearances.
Assists in win
Lukic assisted once to go with two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 win over Sunderland.
Analysis: Lukic provided one assist during Saturday's win over Sunderland. The midfielder got involved straight away with his new club and made a difference taking all three points to open the campaign. It's an excellent start to life with Ipswich, as this is the sort of match where all three points could be crucial.
Signs with Ipswich Town
Lukic has signed with Ipswich Town from Fulham through the summer of 2030, according to the club. Manager Gary O'Neil said "Having played nearly 100 games in the Premier League, he knows what it takes to compete in the division and has been a consistent performer throughout his time at Fulham."
Analysis: Lukic made 106 appearances across all competitions for Fulham after joining in January 2023, helping the club finish safely in midtable across three full seasons, and previously spent seven years at Torino, making 168 appearances with 14 goals following his rise through Partizan Belgrade's academy. The 29 year old Serbia international has earned 62 caps for his country, including appearances at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, and now brings that experience to Ipswich's midfield.
Fit for new season
Lukic (undisclosed) trains fully without issues in the first week of preseason and is fit for the new season under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, the club posted.
Analysis: Lukic finished last season with one goal, two assists, 28 key passes and 49 tackles across 26 Premier League appearances (20 starts), before an undisclosed issue forced him out of the finale against Newcastle. His clean bill of health entering preseason is an encouraging sign, positioning him to continue as one of the more consistent presences in the engine room under the new coaching staff heading into the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Out for season finale
Lukic (undisclosed) will miss Sunday's final Premier League fixture against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Lukic had been expected to start, making his late withdrawal a notable blow for the coaching staff heading into the final fixture of the campaign. The Serbian midfielder finishes the season with one goal, two assists, 28 key passes and 49 tackles across 26 Premier League appearances including 20 starts, having been one of the more consistent presences in the engine room throughout the campaign. No details have been provided on the nature of the issue, leaving his fitness heading into the offseason uncertain.
Strong showing but no goal
Lukic recorded two shots (one on goal), eight crosses (one accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against AFC Bournemouth. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: Lukic had a great game from the stat sheet with two shots and eight crosses, but he was highly inefficient with his service and eventually wasn't able to score or assist. If he can be more accurate, he's bound to change that against Wolves, a team which has let in 66 goals this EPL season.
Two shots and clean sheet
Lukic recorded two shots (two on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa.
Analysis: Lukic recorded a season-high two shots on target Saturday, but he still wasn't able to score his second goal of the campaign. He also kept his second straight clean sheet, recording two clearances, one interception and one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action. Next up he faces a difficult matchup Saturday at Arsenal.
Option from bench
Lukic (hamstring) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against West Ham.
Analysis: Lukic is finally back in the team after he trained last week, with the midfielder appearing to take the return cautiously from the bench. After building some fitness, he should find a starting role, recording one goal and two assists in 19 appearances (15 starts).
Remains on verge of return
Lukic (hamstring) is questionable for Wednesday's match against West Ham, according to manager Marco Silva, per Jon Herald of the Hounslow Herald. "Tomorrow we are going to take some important decisions related with the game and with the squad list and with starting XI and for sure we have some players to assess and after taking decisions."
Analysis: Lukic will need some further testing and time to decide if he can play Wednesday, on the verge of a return for a second straight game. This will be something to monitor after his long absence, as his return would give the club back another starter in the midfield. However, they may ease him back into play to start, likely a bench option if deemed fit enough for the team sheet.
Still out
Lukic (hamstring) is out for Sunday's match against Tottenham.
Analysis: Lukic was back in training this week but still seemed to be an outside shot of making the team sheet, ultimately not fit enough to find a spot. This still leaves a return open in the next few weeks as the midfielder continues to build up his health.
Possibility for Sunday
Lukic (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's match against Tottenham, according to manager Marco Silva. "Sasa has been in and out of contention, but he's had a good week."
Analysis: Lukic could make the call Sunday, but it will likely be left up to a late call, with the midfielder questionable after training this week. After six straight games missed in the past month, the midfielder will be looking for his return, starting in 15 of his 19 appearances this season. The big question is how fit he will be if he can play Sunday, as he is unlikely to see a starting role immediately after the absence.
Starts to train
Lukic (hamstring) has begun to train again but will remain out another game, according to manager Marco Silva. "Sasa and Tom are back training. For one of them, it will be too soon."
Analysis: Lukic is starting to make major step sin his recovery, with the midfielder an option to train. However, with a few more weeks still expected of recovery, he is set to miss yet another match, taking the cautious route. He wasn't expected to return for another two weeks or so, although his return to training could prompt a return sooner.
Serious hamstring injury confirmed
Lukic is out for the next four to five weeks due to a hamstring injury, according to Marco Silva. "It was a difficult moment for him. After the game, it was painful, was difficult even to walk, and the feedback just confirmed that it was a serious injury. It's going to be difficult to define a clear timescale - more than four weeks probably out, four to five weeks he's going to be out of our plans for the games. He's another big player for us that is going to be out - it's a moment for the others to step in. It's our story so far this season."
Analysis: Lukic was feared to have suffered a serious injury, and that has been confirmed Friday, as a decent spell on the bench is expected from the midfielder. That said, he is eyeing around four to five weeks out at least, potentially facing more time out depending on his recovery. This will leave a gap in the midfield after six starts in their past seven games, with Alex Iwobi to return to a starting role in the midfield after his time at AFCON. Lukic will now start his recovery, looking to be an option again as the end of February approaches.
Significant injury feared
Lukic left Saturday's 1-0 loss to Leeds United due to an apparent muscle issue, with manager Marco Silva revealing that his injury "looks more serious right now. Difficult to walk.", Jack Kelly of Fulhamish reports.
Analysis: Lukic is now a potential loss for Fulham's upcoming contests after struggling with a physical problem in the second half of the weekend's match. The midfielder had made six starts over the last seven games across all competitions, providing one assist over that span. If he's in fact ruled out, his spot could be covered by Tom Cairney alongside Sander Berge in a double pivot.
Delivers one assist
Lukic assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Lukic helped his side draw level against Crystal Palace on Thursday by assisting Tom Cairney's goal, while also contributing defensively with four tackles and two clearances. The midfielder is benefiting from Alex Iwobi's absence due to AFCON, making a third consecutive start. While his role in midfield doesn't lend itself to frequent goal contributions, he has recorded one goal and two assists across 16 Premier League appearances this season.
Starting Monday
Lukic (groin) is back in the starting XI for Monday's clash with Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Lukic is back in the starting XI after overcoming a groin issue. The midfielder has been a bench option more often than not in recent weeks but despite the groin issue he's now back in the starting XI. Lukic being fully fit is a good sign especially with a busy schedule and some players missing for AFCON, meaning he could have a bigger role in the coming weeks.
Late call against Forest
Lukic (groin) will be a late fitness call ahead of Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest, coach Marco Silva said in the press conference, according to Jack Kelly from Fulhamish. "We are going to assess Sasa. Doesn't look serious. Let's see with Lukic, let's hope he can be in contention."
Analysis: Lukic was forced off as precaution at halftime against Newcastle in Wednesday's Carabao Cup game but his injury to his groin doesn't look serious. The midfielder will be a late fitness call after the final training session to see if he can be deemed fit enough to feature in Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest. That said, Lukic started only once in his last four games, therefore a potential absence won't be as impactful as when he was an undisputed starter at the early stages on the campaign.
Forced off as precaution
Lukic (groin) was forced off as a precaution at halftime during Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup due to feeling his groin, coach Marco Silva said in a press conference, according to Jack Kelly from Fulhamish. "Sasa was feeling the groin. Was a precaution."
Analysis: Lukic couldn't carry on for the second half of Wednesday's clash against the Magpies in the Carabao Cup since he felt something in his groin and was forced off as a precaution. This issue shouldn't make him a big doubt for Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest since he has some time to recover before the game, but his situation has to be monitored since he remains a regular starter for Fulham, although he lost his starting spot in the last weeks.
Clears suspension
Lukic is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Lukic has served his suspension due to yellow cards accumulation in the Premier League and is set to return in the next contest. The midfielder is an undisputed starter in the heart of the game for the Cottagers and should claim back that role on Saturday against Tottenham.
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