Amar Dedic's Injury Controversy: Newcastle's Handling Criticized

Newcastle’s handling of Amar Dedic’s injury has come under fire after Bosnia and Herzegovina boss Sergej Barbarez bluntly accused the club of rushing the defender back and costing him his place on the international stage.

The right-back, who had made an impressive start to life at St James’ Park, is now facing three to four weeks out with a serious hamstring problem. His momentum has stalled just as he was beginning to establish himself in the Premier League and with his country.

From Millwall knock to Leeds setback

The trouble began in the Carabao Cup against Millwall earlier this month, when Dedic first felt the hamstring issue. Newcastle’s medical team were initially optimistic, and the 21-year-old was cleared to feature in the subsequent Premier League clash with Leeds United.

That call is now at the centre of the storm.

Dedic started against Leeds but lasted only 58 minutes of the defeat before going down again, forced off with what has since been confirmed as a more serious recurrence of the same problem. For Barbarez, that was the turning point – and an avoidable one.

Speaking in Sarajevo, the national team coach did not hide his frustration at how the situation unfolded on Tyneside. He argued that the injury could have been prevented had Dedic been allowed to fully recover from the initial strain.

“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 Bosnia and Herzegovina, it means a key defender will miss a demanding Nations League window that includes fixtures against Poland, Romania, and Sweden. For Newcastle, it raises uncomfortable questions about risk, reward, and the pressure to keep new signings on the pitch.

Busuladzic blow deepens Bosnia’s problems

Dedic’s absence is not the only setback facing Barbarez.

The coach also confirmed a devastating diagnosis for promising midfielder Kenan Busuladzic, whose knee injury has turned out to be far worse than first feared. The youngster has torn his cruciate ligaments and is now staring at a near year-long spell on the sidelines.

“We also miss Kenan Busuladzic. He will not be in the game for nine months because he tore his cruciate ligaments,” Barbarez revealed, delivering another grim update in an already bruising press conference.

Losing a rising talent for nine months is a heavy blow for a national setup trying to inject fresh energy and build a new core. Combined with Dedic’s hamstring problem, it forces Barbarez into a rapid rethink.

New faces drafted in

The response has been swift. To keep Bosnia competitive in a condensed Nations League schedule, Barbarez has moved to refresh his squad with four new call-ups: Benjamin Tahirovic, Ajdin Hasic, Arjan Malic, and Luka Duric.

Duric’s inclusion stands out. The forward has been progressing in Germany’s second tier and adapting well at Paderborn, enough for Barbarez to want a closer look at him in a national-team environment.

“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,” Barbarez explained.

The message is clear: injuries may have ripped through the original plans, but the door is open for others to seize their chance.

Alajbegovic scare eases

Amid the bleak injury news, there was at least one positive note.

Kerim Alajbegovic, the Juventus talent who had sparked concern after being withdrawn at half-time in a recent match against Atalanta, is expected to be available. Initial fears of another major setback eased after conversations with both the player and Juventus’ medical staff.

“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.

So Bosnia head into a crucial Nations League window without Dedic and Busuladzic, but with fresh blood and at least one key prospect cleared to travel.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are left to deal with the fallout of a hamstring gamble that went badly wrong – and with a national-team coach making it plain he expects better protection for one of his most important defenders.