The news about the injury of Croatia's best handball player has arrived.
The captain of the Croatian handball team, Domagoj Duvnjak, injured his right leg before the end of the match with Serbia last night. We find out today that he is definitely unable to play in the rest of the first round of the European Championship, reports Gol.hr on January 13, 2018.
"Domagoj Duvnjak is out for the first round of the European Championship, and for the rest of the tournament, we will see,” said the spokesperson of the Croatian Handball Federation Ivica Maraš.
Shortly after that, the Croatian Handball Federation announced to the public.
"Dear media representatives,
The head of the Croatian Handball medical team, Dr. Krešimir Rotim, announced the details of the injury of Croatia’s best handball player Domagoj Duvnjak:
‘After an ultrasound and MRI at Split hospital, an injury and hematoma were found on the right leg muscle. We have already started with physical rehabilitation, and we are unsure how long it will take. Regarding the next steps and treatment of Domagoj Duvnjak, we will regularly report to the entire public.’
Coach Lino Červar commented on the situation after the physician confirmed Duvnjak's injury and called on the Split audience to support the team against Iceland:
''Domagoj Duvnjak is definitely out for the first round of the competition. We will move forward; we have the ambition to achieve our plans at each game. I'll call up a player who will replace Duvnjak. We are analyzing and thinking about the next opponent. I use this opportunity to thank the Split audience once again and invite them to come to the match against Iceland and be our eighth player. In these moments, their support is the most necessary.”
To recall, Duvnjak injured himself at the very end of the match against Serbia. Duvnjak fell on the court without contact as if he felt a cramp. After he lied on the floor, Duvnjak's teammates escorted him to the bench, where he stayed for the remainder of the match. The first prognoses were not optimistic.
"Duvnjak is injured, and because of that we are a bit sad and disappointed, but surely we should be happy with the game we opened the tournament with and I think that is a great sign," said Luka Cindrić.
Manuel Štrlek also showed concern about the fate of Croatia’s best player Domagoj Duvnjak.
"We still do not know if we will have to go without him and for how long. I do not have to emphasize what he means to us, but we can win without him,” said Štrlek.
Croatia will face Iceland tomorrow at Spaladium Arena at 20:30.
Excerpts taken from Gol.hr
