Breaking news! International break deals first blow to Mourinho, Benfica | OneFootball

Bad news has arrived at the Luz. Amar Dedic was rested from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s training session this Tuesday after suffering a "minor knock", according to local outlet "SportsSport". The Benfica right-back had taken part in the first training session, which took place on Monday.

According to the same source, head coach Sergej Barbarez is counting on the player for Thursday’s match against Wales in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff, so the issue is not considered too concerning.

It is worth noting that the national team coach had been pleased with the rest the 23-year-old was given against Vitória de Guimarães. "Some players were even rested this weekend, which pleases me. I’ve said several times that I would prefer no one to play on the final weekend before joining the national team, especially those involved in European competitions. Between the call-up and the training camp, they can play five matches, and that affects my planning," he said.

The defender returned to the Balkans after missing the last matchday of Group H qualification for the World Cup, against Austria on November 18, due to suspension. If Bosnia win in Wales, on the 26th, they will then fight at home against Italy or Northern Ireland for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

This season for Benfica, Amar Dedic - valued at €15 million - has already made a total of 37 official appearances: 18 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, one in the League Cup and one in the Super Cup. In the 3,097 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the No. 17 has recorded one goal and three assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.