Vanja Drkusic
ESY
Returns to full training
Drkusic (undisclosed) participated fully in Espanyol's team training session Sunday after being forced off during Saturday's La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid and appears available for selection moving forward, according to the club.
Analysis: Drkusic appears to have avoided a significant injury after experiencing physical discomfort during Saturday's encounter against Atletico Madrid, which forced him to request a substitution in the 63rd minute. The Slovenian center-back had started alongside Clemens Riedel and Leandro Cabrera in Espanyol's five-man defensive setup before being replaced by Unai Nunez. His early withdrawal had raised concerns given that he was also substituted during Slovenia's recent international clash against Scotland, but his return to unrestricted training just one day later suggests the latest issue was relatively minor. Drkusic should remain in contention for his usual role in central defense moving forward, although he will continue competing with Nunez for playing time.
Forced off with physical discomfort
Drkusic (undisclosed) was forced off in the 63rd minute of Saturday's La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid after experiencing physical discomfort during the second half. The defender requested to be substituted and was replaced by Unai Nunez, with the nature and severity of his issue still unclear, according to Diario AS.
Analysis: Drkusic was handed a starting role in Espanyol's five-man defensive setup against Atletico Madrid, lining up alongside Clemens Riedel and Leandro Cabrera before being forced to leave the pitch with the score still 0-0 in the 63rd minute. The Slovenian center-back began experiencing discomfort during the second half and was unable to continue, raising concerns about his fitness after he had also been substituted in the 64th minute of Slovenia's recent international match against Scotland. It remains unclear whether the two incidents are related, and further medical assessments will be needed to determine the extent of his latest issue. Should Drkusic be required to miss time, Unai Nunez could benefit from additional opportunities in central defense, having been called upon to replace him Saturday.
Plays 86 minutes
Drkusic played 86 minutes during Tuesday's 2-0 win over North Macedonia.
Analysis: Drkusic got back on the pitch after an undisclosed issue put him in doubt. He got the start and played 86 minutes during the win. It was a comfortable match for the defender who played well though he wasn't really needed. Drkusic should be fully fit moving forward.
Withdrawn with apparent injury
Drkusic was forced off with an apparent injury during Saturday's Nations League meeting with Scotland.
Analysis: Drkusic will be assessed, with more clarity expected once Slovenia have examined him. He had been one of the more prominent performers before the withdrawal, having struck the woodwork. Slovenia play again in three days, so his involvement in that fixture should indicate whether the problem is minor. The 26-year-old is not a regular starter at Espanyol, where Unai Nunez, Leandro Cabrera and Clemens Riedel are all ahead of him.
Loaned to Espanyol
Drkusic joined Espanyol on loan with an option to buy through June 30, 2027, from Zenit, the club announced.
Analysis: Drkusic came through the youth setups of NK Krsko and SC Heerenveen before moving through Rende, NK Bravo, Sochi, Zenit and Red Star, winning a Russian league title and Super Cup along with a Serbian league title and cup along the way. The Slovenia international is expected to add defensive depth to Espanyol's backline this season.
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