Newcastle United have been dragged into an international storm after Bosnia and Herzegovina boss Sergej Barbarez openly criticised the club’s handling of Amar Dedić’s fitness, accusing them of risking the defender’s health and costing him his place with the national team.
Dedić, who had made an eye-catching start to life at St James’ Park, is now facing three to four weeks on the sidelines with a serious hamstring problem. What began as a manageable strain in a Carabao Cup tie against Millwall has turned into a far more damaging setback – and Barbarez is in no doubt where the blame lies.
The first warning sign came in that Millwall match earlier this month, when the Bosnia international felt the initial twinge. Newcastle’s medical team were reportedly optimistic, and the right-back was cleared to feature in the Premier League against Leeds United soon after.
That call has now been branded a mistake.
Dedić lasted just 58 minutes of the defeat to Leeds before signalling that he could not continue. He left the pitch, the game, and – in Barbarez’s eyes – his international window in that moment.
Speaking in Sarajevo, the Bosnia coach did not sugar-coat his frustration. He argued that the defender’s latest problem was “greater than before” and insisted it could have been avoided if Newcastle had simply left him out against Leeds and allowed more recovery time after Millwall.
The cost is significant. Dedić will miss Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Nations League fixtures against Poland, Romania, and Sweden, games in which he was expected to be a key figure.
“I would like to say a few technical things regarding the extent of Amar Dedic’s injury. He renewed his injury against Leeds, the extent of the injury is greater than before. If he had rested that game, he would certainly be with us now, but such things happen. He will be absent for three or four weeks. He will not be ready for these four games,” Barbarez said.
For a squad already walking a tightrope with depth, the timing could hardly be worse.
And then came an even heavier blow.
Kenan Busuladzic, the highly rated young midfielder, has been ruled out for around nine months after tearing his cruciate ligaments. What had initially been hoped to be a shorter-term issue has turned into a season-wrecking diagnosis, stripping Barbarez of another important option in the heart of his team.
“We also miss Kenan Busuladzic. He will not be in the game for nine months because he tore his cruciate ligaments,” the coach confirmed, laying bare the scale of the setback.
Two core pieces gone. A Nations League window packed with fixtures looming. Barbarez had little choice but to act.
He has moved quickly to refresh the squad, calling in four players who now have a chance to change their international standing. Benjamin Tahirovic, Ajdin Hasic, Arjan Malic, and Luka Duric have all been drafted into the senior setup, a mix of promise and opportunity at a time when the national side badly needs both.
Duric’s inclusion stands out. The forward has been making steady progress in Germany’s second tier with Paderborn, carving out a role and showing he can adapt to a demanding league. Barbarez wants to see if that form can translate onto the international stage.
“We handed out several invitations, we invited Benjamin Tahirovic, Ajdin Hasic, Arjan Malic and Luka Duric from Paderborn. He made a step forward in his career, he plays in the Bundesliga. Although the start of the season was not the most important thing, we want to see him in action so that he can be part of our team,” he explained.
While the news on Dedić and Busuladzic darkened the mood, there was at least one shaft of light for Bosnia.
Kerim Alajbegovic, the Juventus talent who has been attracting growing attention, sparked concern when he was withdrawn at half-time in a recent clash between Juventus and Atalanta. With injuries already reshaping Barbarez’s plans, the sight of another key youngster leaving the field set alarm bells ringing.
Those fears have eased.
After speaking directly with the player and Juventus’ medical staff, Barbarez revealed that Alajbegovic is only dealing with a minor hip issue. The midfielder is expected to travel to Sarajevo and, barring any setback, should be available for the upcoming matches, even if he is managed carefully at the start of camp.
“We spoke with Alajbegovic last night. He is slightly injured, he felt pain in his hip. Juventus doctors examined him last night and he is on his way to Sarajevo. He may take a break for a day or two, but it shouldn’t be anything special,” Barbarez said.
For Newcastle, the fallout from Dedić’s injury raises uncomfortable questions about risk, reward, and the balance between club needs and international duty.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the equation is simpler: key players are gone, replacements have been summoned, and a demanding Nations League window will now test not just their depth, but their resilience.
