Why Vasilije Micic Was Left Off Serbia’s Roster

Serbia is preparing for the next World Cup qualifying window, when it will face Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Hapoel Tel Aviv guard Vasilije Micic is not in coach Dusan Alimpijevic’s squad. Asked about the omission on Tuesday, Alimpijevic said Micic has a health issue that still needs to be resolved after the season ends. “He has a certain health problem,” the coach said, adding that he remains in contact with all national-team players, including those not currently with the team.

Alimpijevic specifically mentioned Bogdan Bogdanovic, Filip Petrusev, Micic and Marko Guduric among the players he speaks with. Serbian outlet Mondo reported that the absence was not surprising given the players’ long season, saying Micic is dealing with a health issue and has been through a particularly heavy campaign.

This is not the first time Micic’s health has been discussed in Serbia. In March, Serbian basketball federation president Nebojsa Covic said Micic had missed that window because he had not been released by his club due to a knee problem. Covic said then that Micic had flown to Munich to see a specialist to understand the situation.

Serbia is in Group C of the qualifiers and has so far recorded two wins and two losses.