Dendoncker misses Hajduk Split trip to Lincoln Red Imps through injury

HNK Hajduk Split coach Gonzalo Garcia confirmed that midfielder Leander Dendoncker did not travel with the team for the upcoming UEFA Conference League fixture against Lincoln Red Imps. The player was ruled out of the squad due to injury before the team departed for the away match in Gibraltar.

Garcia stated that medical staff are still assessing the exact nature of Dendoncker's problem. He indicated it remains uncertain whether the player will recover in time for domestic duties later in the week. This uncertainty affects planning for both the European fixture and subsequent league commitments.

Hajduk face further selection issues beyond Dendoncker. Player Pajaziti is also unavailable for the upcoming fixture due to fitness problems. These absences reduce options for Garcia as he prepares his lineup for the competition.

The Croatian side have started their UEFA Conference League campaign with two victories. They defeated Ajax 2-1 and secured a 1-0 win against Thun in their opening matches. These results established early momentum in the group stage before the trip to Gibraltar.

Hajduk are scheduled to play Lincoln Red Imps away on Thursday at 18:45 local time in Gibraltar. Despite the challenging venue and missing personnel, Garcia asserted he would not be satisfied with a draw. He maintained that he is never content with taking only a single point from a match.

Defender Alec van Hoorenbeeck provided insight into the opposition ahead of the match. He noted that Lincoln Red Imps wingers tend to cut inside centrally rather than staying wide. Van Hoorenbeeck also observed that their striker possesses a profile uncommon in the HNL, suggesting a different tactical challenge compared to domestic opponents.

Addressing the impact of injuries on squad management, Garcia emphasized that depth is vital for European competition. He referenced a recent 5-0 victory as evidence of readiness across the roster. This comment highlighted his reliance on alternative players to maintain performance levels despite key absences like Dendoncker.