Sušić calls on Jahić as Bosnian problems mount
Monday, October 31, 2011
Article summary
After citing defence as a "problem" for Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead of the play-off double-header with Portugal, coach Safet Sušić has recalled Sanel Jahić to his squad.
Article top media content
Article body
After highlighting defensive concerns ahead of his side's UEFA EURO 2012 play-off double-header with Portugal, coach Safet Sušić has recalled APOEL FC defender Sanel Jahić to Bosnia and Herzegovina's 23-man squad.
Jahić, who has featured in all three of APOEL's UEFA Champions League group matches so far this season, appeared in two matches at the start of Bosnia's qualifying campaign. The 29-year-old, who played in the 3-0 victory against Luxembourg and the 2-0 defeat by France in September 2010, is expected to deputise for Saša Papac, who like Boris Pandža is suspended for the first leg on 11 November after picking up a yellow card against France.
Also in contention for a place in the back line is 19-year-old Hamburger SV defender Muhamed Bešić, who has been plucked from the Under-21 squad. "Defence is our problem, with two players suspended and Mensur Mujdža, who has been playing really well, out injured," said Sušić. "[But] I am confident that we will find an adequate replacement for them."
Sušić has also named Sejad Salihović in the party that will host Portugal at the Bilino polje stadium in Zenica, before travelling to Lisbon four days later. The TSG 1899 Hoffenheim midfielder sustained an injury against Belarus but has returned to training and although he has yet to return to first-team action Sušić is hopeful of having the left-sided midfielder available, possibly to also help out in defence.
Goalkeepers: Kenan Hasagić (İstanbul BB SK), Asmir Begović (Stoke City FC), Asmir Avdukić (FK Borac Banja Luka).
Defenders: Boris Pandža (KV Mechelen), Saša Papac (Rangers FC), Emir Spahić (Sevilla FC), Adnan Mravac (SV Mattersburg), Muhamed Bešić (Hamburger SV), Sanel Jahić (APOEL FC).
Midfielders: Miralem Pjanić (AS Roma), Elvir Rahimić (PFC CSKA Moskva), Zvjezdan Misimović (FC Dinamo Moskva), Adnan Zahirović (PFC Spartak Nalchik), Haris Medunjanin (Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC), Senad Lulić (S.S. Lazio), Semir Štilić (KKS Lech Poznań), Darko Maletić (FC Aktobe), Senijad Ibričić (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Sejad Salihović (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim).
Forwards: Edin Džeko (Manchester City FC), Zlatan Muslimović (no team), Ermin Zec (Gençlerbirliği SK), Vedad Ibišević (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim).
