Veljko Milosavljevic
BOU
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Jun 28, 2007 (19)
Right
6'4"
Builds fitness with under-21s
Milosavljevic (fitness) has returned to action with Bournemouth's under-21 side and is expected to make another appearance at that level as he continues building his fitness, according to coach Marco Rose, per Bournemouth Echo. "Veljko played with the under-21s. He's going to play again with the under-21s because he was out for a long, long time, but he's back as well."
Analysis: Milosavljevic is making encouraging progress after a lengthy absence caused by a knee injury sustained during preseason, having recently returned to action with Bournemouth's under-21 team. The Serbian center-back is expected to feature in another youth match before being considered for senior selection, suggesting he still needs additional playing time to regain full match fitness. He has yet to make a first-team appearance this season, with his recovery having progressed from individual running and ball work to competitive minutes. Although his return to the senior squad is approaching, Bournemouth appear set to take a cautious approach following his extended spell on the sidelines.
Remains sidelined against Sunderland
Milosavljevic (knee) remains unavailable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland despite making progress in his recovery from a preseason injury.
Analysis: Milosavljevic will have to wait longer for his season debut after failing to recover in time for Sunday's meeting with Sunderland. The center-back has recently resumed running and individual ball work, with coach Marco Rose previously identifying him as one of Bournemouth's injured players closest to returning. However, he has yet to regain sufficient fitness to rejoin the matchday squad, having also missed Thursday's Europa League clash against Sturm Graz. His return to competitive action remains uncertain, and he could initially be eased back into the rotation once fully cleared.
Could return against Sunderland
Milosavljevic (knee) is closing in on a return to competitive action and could be included in Bournemouth's squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Analysis: Milosavljevic has yet to make his season debut after suffering a knee injury during preseason, but his recovery has progressed well enough to put him in contention for Sunday's matchup against Sunderland. The center-back recently resumed running and individual ball work, with coach Marco Rose previously identifying him as one of the closest players to returning from injury. Although Thursday's Europa League clash against Sturm Graz came too soon for the defender, Bournemouth are hopeful he will be ready to rejoin the matchday squad this weekend. Given his lengthy absence from competitive action, Milosavljevic would likely be limited to a substitute role if cleared to feature, with his playing time expected to increase gradually as he rebuilds his match fitness.
Not ready to play yet
Milosavljevic (knee) isn't in the squad for Thursday's Europa League match against Sturm Graz.
Analysis: Milosavljevic is reportedly close to making his season debut, but this European match will come too soon for the defender. His next chance to play will come Sunday in the EPL against Sunderland.
Closing in on season debut
Milosavljevic (knee) is nearing a return from injury and could be available for Thursday's Europa League clash against Sturm Graz or Sunday's Premier League matchup with Sunderland, according to the Sunderland Echo.
Analysis: Milosavljevic has been sidelined since preseason due to a knee injury, preventing him from making an appearance for Bournemouth this campaign. The center-back recently resumed running and individual ball work, with coach Marco Rose previously identifying him as the closest to returning among the club's longer-term absentees. His recovery has progressed sufficiently for him to be considered a potential option in the next two fixtures, although he will undergo further assessments before being cleared for selection. Given his extended absence, Milosavljevic could initially be limited to a reserve role as he works toward regaining match fitness.
Takes step forward in recovery
Milosavljevic has started running and working with the ball on the pitch as he continues his recovery from injury, according to coach Marco Rose, per Sky Sports News. "The plan is that Veljko is the first one who's coming back. I think he just started on the pitch to do some runs, and with the ball."
Analysis: Milosavljevic has been sidelined since preseason with what was initially described as a semi-long-term injury, but his return to individual field work represents a significant step in his rehabilitation. The center-back still needs to progress through more intensive work before rejoining team training, though manager Marco Rose expects him to be the first of Bournemouth's longer-term absentees to return. Milosavljevic should primarily provide additional depth at center-back once available rather than immediately challenging for a regular starting role.
Set for spell on sidelines
Milosavljevic didn't feature in the pre-season after sustaining a "semi long-term injury" and doesn't have a timetable to return, according to Alexander Smith of The Bournemouth Echo.
Analysis: The specifics of the injury are uncertain, but all signs point to Milosavljevic being out for quite some time -- especially since he didn't log a single minute of action in the pre-season. He's a depth option at center-back, so while this injury trims the team's depth at the back, it shouldn't be a big issue from a fantasy perspective.
Missing friendly through injury
Milosavljevic didn't play in the friendly match against St. Pauli on July 24 due to an undisclosed injury, Jordan Clark of BBC Sport reports.
Analysis: Milosavljevic didn't travel to Austria due to the injury, though it remains to be seen how long he'll be sidelined. He only has a few more weeks to get into proper game shape if he wants to be an option for the EPL opener against Manchester City on Aug. 23. For now, his next chance to play will come in the friendly against Augsburg on Thursday.
Makes brief appearance Wednesday
Milosavljevic (knee) played one minute during Wednesday's 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Milosavljevic returned to training in early January and ultimately appeared off the bench after a one-month absence. The center-back made occasional starts when he was fully fit in the opening stages of the campaign, averaging 6.3 clearances per game. He might continue to serve as a backup to Marcos Senesi, James Hill and Bafode Diakite in the future.
Back in team training
Milosavljevic (knee) is back in team training, coach Andoni Iraola said in the press conference. "In positive news, Veljko Milosavljević has started training with us already. He is the closest one to recover."
Analysis: Milosavljevic suffered an important knee injury back in December and was expected to miss a consequent period of time. That said, he is back in team training suggesting he might be well ahead of his timeline to return. This is good news for the Cherries since he will be a nice boost in the backline once back fit.
Set to miss two to three months
Milosavljevic (knee) is set to miss two to three months due to an injury, coach Andoni Iraola said in the press conference, according to Nerve Sport.
Analysis: Milosavljevic suffered a knee injury ahead of the clash against Chelsea and is set to miss two to three months to recover. This will keep him out at least until mid-February, which will give Bafode Diakite a larger role in the central defense until he recovers fully.
Potentially facing long absence
Milosavljevic (knee) suffered a ligament injury in the back of his knee and is facing two to three months out, according to manager Andoni Iraola, per Jordan Clark of BBC. "Veljko hasn't affected the main ligaments in the knee, but behind the knee. There are small ligaments there that he has injured, so he will need some time to recover."
Analysis: Milosavljevic was absent Saturday and appears to be facing a long time on the sidelines, as the defender is suffering from a ligament injury in his knee. Unfortunately for the defender, it does appear his absence will be long, potentially missing two to three months. He will need further assessment in the coming days, with Marcos Senesi and Bafode Diakite likely to remain the starting defenders while he is out.
Left out against Chelsea
Milosavljevic (knee) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Chelsea.
Analysis: Milosavljevic was a late fitness call for Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to a knee injury he has been dealing with. The defender was left out entirely for the meeting with the Blues after failing to clear the tests after the final training session. His absence does not affect the starting XI much since he has mainly been a bench option this campaign, with Bafode Diakite likely handling the additional responsibilities in defense.
Late call against Chelsea
Milosavljevic is dealing with a knee injury and is a late call for Saturday's clash against Chelsea, coach Andoni Iraola said in the press conference, according to Jordan Clark from BBC Radio Solent Sport.
Analysis: Milosavljevic will be a late fitness call for Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to a knee injury he has been dealing with. His presence in the squad for the game against the Blues looks difficult, according to coach Andoni Iraola, but a potential absence from the center-back won't affect much the starting XI since he has mainly been a bench option for the Cherries this campaign. Bafode Diakite will likely get a larger role in the backline if Milosavljevic had to miss some time.
Continues to earn time
Milosavljevic has started in three of his four appearances this season while recording four interceptions, five tackles and 17 clearances.
Analysis: Milosavljevic signed with Bournemouth this summer and has quickly inserted himself in the team, starting in their season opener and appearing in three more games since then. This comes as he also earns time with his national team, starting twice with Serbia in October but going unused during the most recent international break. He will hope to remain in the starting role moving forward after two starts in their past three games at his young age, recording one clean sheet in his three starts this season.
Transfers to Cherries
Milosavljevic has completed a transfer to Bournemouth from Red Star Belgrade, according to his new club.
Analysis: Milosavljevic was expected to make a move this summer and has gotten his deal into a top-five league, signing with Bournemouth. The young defender comes in with tons of promise, already having played in a few UCL qualifiers and maintaining time with Red Star at the age of 17. He will likely need some time to break into the squad with Bournemouth at such a young age, probably more of a future option, but still with a chance of breaking into a few appearances here and there if he can prove his worth.
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