Dejan Ljubicic
S04
RWB
Possession Builder
Oct 8, 1997 (28)
Right
6'2"
163 lb
Schalke 04Back in action Saturday
Ljubicic (knee) played the full second half of Saturday's practice game versus Atalanta, according to his club's official website.
Analysis: Ljubicic subbed on for Eric Junior in his first appearance since suffering a minor injury in preseason. Ljubicic is now back in contention for a midfield spot and could be involved in a rotation during the 2026/27 season. He previously made 15 Bundesliga 2 starts, scoring four goals and delivering three assists over that period.
Returns to group warmup
Ljubicic (knee) rejoined Schalke's group training Thursday but only took part in the warmup before continuing individually with sprints and passing drills, according to WAZ.
Analysis: Ljubicic had suffered a calf injury Saturday in the friendly against KSV Hessen Kassel, initially missing training as a result, and his relatively quick return suggests the issue isn't serious. No specific timeline for a full return to group training has been disclosed, and Ljubicic is expected to continue his individualized work before rejoining team training in full.
Avoids serious injury
Ljubicic did not suffer a serious injury during Saturday's 5-0 win over KSV Hessen Kassel, according to Bild.
Analysis: Ljubicic left the field limping after being forced off in the 60th minute with a knee issue, but the midfielder is not believed to have suffered a fracture, and he is expected to be able to resume team training in Gelsenkirchen next week. Ljubicic is expected to be available again in the near term.
Called up by Austria
Ljubicic has been called up to Austria's World Cup squad as a direct replacement for the injured Christoph Baumgartner, his club announced.
Analysis: Ljubicic's inclusion gives coach Ralf Rangnick an experienced midfield option to fill the significant void left by Christoph Baumgartner's tournament-ending injury (thigh). The midfielder now joins the Austrian squad ahead of their World Cup opener against Jordan on June 17, with the coach hoping he can provide the creative and dynamic qualities needed to compensate for the loss of one of the squad's most important players.
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