Milinkovic-Savic and Ilic forced out of Serbia squad by injury

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 2:07 PM ET

Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Torino midfielder Ivan Ilic have been forced to withdraw from international duty with Serbia due to injuries.

The pair had been called up for the matches against Albania and Andorra, but were sent back home immediately.

In a press conference, coach Dragan Stojkovic explained the reasons for their absence.

Milinkovic-Savic and Ilic injury problems

Napoli goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic is suffering from a back issue and is not going to be part of the Serbian group.

He made the move to Napoli this summer from Torino, on loan with an obligation to buy, and is challenging Alex Meret for the gloves.

Torino midfielder Ilic has also withdrawn from the Serbia squad due to a calf problem, so his injury is muscular in nature.

There are still quite a few Serie A players in the team, including Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic, Atalanta’s Lazar Samardzic, Filip Kostic and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus.

Also given his first senior call-up is Aleksandar Stankovic, who is on loan at Club Brugge, but still owned by Inter.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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