Why Vasilije Micic Is Missing From Serbia’s Squad

Serbia is preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifying window, in which it will face Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina. One notable omission from coach Dusko Ivanovic’s squad is Hapoel Tel Aviv guard Vasilije Micic, who was absent when Ivanovici spoke on Tuesday.

Ivanovic said Micic has a health issue that still needs to be dealt with after the club season ends. "He has a certain health problem," the coach said. "He needs to resolve it at the end of the season, and his season is still going on." He added that he remains in contact with all national-team players, including those not currently in camp, naming Bogdan Bogdanovic, Filip Petrusev, Micic, Marko Guduric and others.

Israeli outlet Mondo said the absence is not surprising given the players’ long seasons, adding that Micic is dealing with a health problem and an especially heavy campaign. The issue was also discussed in March, when 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 and had traveled to Munich to see a specialist.

Serbia currently plays in Group C of qualification and has a 2-2 record so far.