GNK Dinamo Zagreb will begin their Europa League group stage campaign with a weakened defence, missing both striker Dion Drena Beljo and defender Stjepan Radeljić for Tuesday's match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Both players are absent due to illness, dealing a fresh blow to manager Mario Kovačević ahead of the trip to Bucharest.
Beljo, the team's top scorer this season with seven goals in five appearances, will be a particular miss in attack. Radeljić, the 29-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international who joined Dinamo on a free transfer this summer after a successful season with Rijeka, is also unavailable. Manager Mario Kovačević confirmed the double absence. "For the European premiere in the main phase of the Europa League, we are left only with Scott McKenni and Sergi Dominguez as centre-backs," said Kovačević.
A Serious Defensive Shortage
Radeljić's absence leaves Dinamo with very limited options in central defence. Alongside McKenni and Dominguez, the option is Niki Galešić who can play both as a central defender and a full-back. Radeljić had played in four of six possible league matches this season but managed just one minute across six European qualifying games. His experience, including a World Cup appearance, will now be missed.
Dinamo enter this European fixture on the back of a heavy 4-2 defeat to NK Osijek last weekend, which left them third in the HNL with 10 points. The team's form in their last five matches across all competitions reads two losses, two draws, and one win. Following the European match, Dinamo's next fixture is the key derby against Hajduk Split on October 10th. An overview of all upcoming commitments and the squad list is available on the fixtures and squad pages.
With the injuries, Kovačević will have to find a solution for his defence not only for Tuesday but also for the upcoming key derby against Hajduk Split on October 10th. Before that clash, Dinamo will want a positive result in Europe to build confidence.
The match against the Israeli champions kicks off on Wednesday at 9 PM at the stadium in Bucharest, where Dinamo will attempt to make a positive start to the group without two key players.
Background and full detail: Index.hr Sport
Dinamo travelled to Bucharest significantly weakened as the professional staff assessed that they should not risk Dion Drena Beljo, who attempted to return to training on Monday. Bruno Goda is not yet fully ready but is expected to be in the matchday squad, said Široki Brijeg's new manager Marijo Tot. Tot warned that the poor pitch at the stadium in Bucharest will hinder fluid play for both teams. "One thing absolutely must not happen against Hapoel," said Tot. "That is for large spaces between the lines not to appear when Dinamo loses the ball." Dinamo currently sits 4th in the HNL with 13 points.
