Osijek expects four returns for Hajduk match amid board changes

Osijek head coach Federico Bessone expects to welcome back four players for the upcoming league match against HNK Hajduk Split, providing relief after he was unable to count on eleven squad members for the previous fixture against Lokomotiva. According to Sportske novosti, Luka Vrbančić, Domagoj Bukvić, Izak Ježić and Ivan Dolček are all expected to rejoin squad contention, potentially expanding selection options and reducing the need for tactical improvisation.

Vrbančić missed the last two championship matches due to muscle problems but resumed lighter training sessions last week and is expected to be available. Bukvić has been sidelined since sustaining a head injury approximately twenty minutes into the match against Gorica, requiring several days of rest before returning to team activities.

Dolçek’s difficulties date back to a warm-up injury before the cup tie against Segesta; although he made three subsequent appearances, he was not fully recovered and his presence on the bench last weekend did not signify complete fitness. Defender Ježić sat out the most recent game as a preventive measure against fatigue, as his recent promotion from the cadet team has significantly increased physical demands.

In international matters, Osijek striker Armando Leon appeared on Mexico coach Rafael Márquez’s preliminary roster for the first time but was ultimately excluded from the final squad for two CONCACAF Nations League matches against Jamaica.

Separately, Sportske novosti reported changes within the club’s Supervisory Board without an official announcement from Osijek. Gábor Deák remains president, joined by new deputy president Ines Margetić alongside members Miodrag Borojević, István Sallói and Justin Peter Price.