Sergio Dominguez misses Dinamo Zagreb clash with Varaždin due to muscle injury

Sergio Dominguez will not feature for GNK Dinamo Zagreb in their next Croatian Football League fixture against NK Varaždin. The defender was substituted at halftime during the club’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland in England after complaining of a muscle problem. He is expected to use the upcoming international break to recover and prepare for the final stretch of the first half of the season.

With Dominguez unavailable, Niko Galešić and Stjepan Radeljić are projected to start as the central defensive pairing against Varaždin. Interim head coach Jerko Leko is certain to rotate multiple starters following the team’s late Friday return from England, which left only about 48 hours of recovery before the domestic match.

Physical concerns have emerged as a primary issue for Dinamo after the demanding encounter in England. Two or three players reported cramps during the second half against Sunderland, compelling Leko to adjust his tactical approach mid-game. Club sources described the English fixture as the most physically taxing of the campaign, underscoring ongoing fitness challenges within the squad.

These fitness struggles echo earlier comments by Zvonimir Boban, who suggested two months ago that previous coach Kovačević might have overtrained the team during preseason preparations. Boban warned that such intensity could cause physical performance to drop as the schedule intensified, a pattern that now appears to be materializing ahead of the international pause.

Beyond defense, further changes are anticipated across the pitch. Arbër Hoxha is expected to take the place of Mislav Oršić, while Dani Rodriguez could start in place of Lisica. Additional adjustments in midfield are also likely as Leko manages player workload. A victory in Varaždin would provide significant momentum and potentially solidify Leko’s standing with the club following widespread support after the Sunderland result.