Ivan Sunjic
Pafos FCCM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Oct 9, 1996 (29)
Right
6'0"
165 lb
Does little in loss to USA
Sunjic won two tackles and committed two fouls in 51 minutes of action in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the USA.
Analysis: Sunjic was ineffective in helping Bosnia upset the United States. He played a role in Bosnia's midfield during their historic World Cup run to the Round of 32, but ultimately could not do enough to see them through to the next round.
Creates two chances
Sunjic recorded one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Qatar.
Analysis: Sunjic created a pair of chances Wednesday, but failed to do anything with those chances. This is the easiest match on paper for Bosnia, so the fact he failed to get on the scoresheet is disappointing. Sunjic will hope to build on this creative volume as Bosnia look towards the round of 32 and a surprise run in the tournament.
Completes 33 passes
Sunjic recorded one cross, two tackles and three clearances in Thursday's 4-1 loss to Switzerland.
Analysis: Sunjic started in the midfield Thursday after a bench appearance in their World Cup opener, as the midfielder recorded 86 minutes of play. However, his impact on the match was minor, only recording a bit of work in the defense. This could lead him to miss out on the start in the group stage finale, needing to show a bit more against the Swiss.
Comes off bench Friday
Sunjic came off the bench in Friday's 1-1 draw against Canada and played 16 minutes.
Analysis: Sunjic missed Bosnia and Herzegovina's last friendly against Panama with a muscular issue, but he trained throughout the week and coach Sergej Barbarez had expressed confidence he would be involved. He did indeed return, coming off the bench for 16 minutes. The midfielder was a key figure in the lineup during the two qualification games that secured Bosnia and Herzegovina's place at the World Cup, and could be in line to return to the starting XI in the coming games. However, the limited minutes he was given, with Armin Gigovic introduced ahead of him as the first midfield substitute, is a slightly worrying sign.
Nearing return
Sunjic (muscular) is close to full fitness and has begun training with the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad, with coach Sergej Barbarez expressing confidence there will be no issues ahead of the World Cup, according to Sarajevo Times. "Ivan is the only one still out, but there won't be any problems going forward. He is almost at the level and is starting to train with us,"
Analysis: Sunjic is expected to be a regular starter in Bosnia's midfield for the World Cup opener against Canada on June 12, and the coach's reassuring update suggests his absence from Saturday's friendly against Panama was purely precautionary rather than any sign of a lingering concern.
Doesn't play Saturday
Sunjic (undisclosed) didn't play in Saturday's friendly match against Panama.
Analysis: Sunjic trained in full earlier in the week, so perhaps he didn't play simply due to a managerial choice. He should be a starter in midfield ahead of their WC opener against Canada on June 12 if he doesn't suffer a setback.
Trains in full Thursday
Sunjic (muscular) has returned to full training with the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad at their preparation camp at Energizer Park in St. Louis, confirming his recovery from the anterior muscle injury that had kept him out of sessions since arriving at camp, according to Sportske.
Analysis: Sunjic was pictured training alongside the rest of the squad, with the federation posting photos confirming the player had rejoined the group. The midfielder's return is a timely boost for coach Sergej Barbarez ahead of Saturday's friendly against Panama, with Bosnia's World Cup opener against Canada on June 12 now firmly within reach for one of their most important midfield figures.
Expected back soon
Sunjic (muscular) is dealing with an anterior muscle injury but is expected to return to training at the weekend and should be available for the World Cup, according to coach Sergej Barbarez, per Reprezentacija. "As for Sunjic, the end of the season, some kind of rest and an injury to the anterior muscle. Something that takes time, he will return at the weekend, then everything should be ok. We will do checks, but it is not a worrying situation."
Analysis: Sunjic had been unable to train with the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad since arriving at the national team camp, raising some concern over his fitness heading into the tournament. However, the coach's reassuring tone makes clear the situation is under control and that the midfielder should be fit in time to contribute at the World Cup, with Bosnia's opener against Canada on June 12 the primary target for his return to full availability.
Muscle injury disrupts WC prep
Sunjic is currently unable to train with the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team due to a muscle injury, with the medical staff monitoring his condition and recovery over the coming days, according to the federation.
Analysis: Sunjic's absence from training is a concern for Bosnia heading into their World Cup preparations, with the midfielder an important presence in the national team's engine room. The federation will provide further updates on his condition once the medical team has a clearer picture of his recovery timeline, with the clock ticking ahead of the tournament opener. If Sunjic can't be fit for the opener against Canada on June 12, Ivan Basic will likely step in the engine room in his spot.
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