Milan worried about Pavlovic with 71st-minute injury, Nations League

In the cold of Belgrade, Serbian defender Strahija Pavlovic left the field at the 71st minute of the Nations League match against the Netherlands, causing Milan to worry about his physical future. Coach Rubén Amorim and the red-and-black management immediately crossed their fingers, hoping for positive news from Serbia.

Pavlovic Injury

At the 71st minute, Pavlovic suffered a challenge that left him visibly in pain, forcing him to leave the field. The spot was taken by former Juventus player Kostic, who finished the match. The doctor did not provide further details about his physical condition.

Rubén Amorim and the entire red-and-black management crossed their fingers, awaiting news from Serbia. According to Serbian newspaper Mozzart Sport, Pavlovic's performance was one of the most convincing, despite the 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands. The Serbian statement cites the defender with the name in capital letters PAVLOVIC.

In the same match, coach Strahija Paunovic also had to replace former Lazio player Milinkovic‑Savic, who was injured, with Tadić.

Contract prospects and defensive options

Pavlovic is regarded as one of the pillars of the squad of Rubén Amorim, with five league appearances and one in the Europa League. He had been confirmed as a starter by Strahija Paunovic after last Thursday's defeat to Greece. His contract expires in 2028 and Milan is negotiating a possible extension, after his arrival in the summer of 2024.

The defender has been at the centre of transfer rumours, with Fenerbahçe and several Premier League clubs interested. If he does not recover, the upcoming fixtures of Serbia – Germany on 1 October in Munich and the Netherlands on 4 October – could prove decisive.

If the problems are serious, Pavlovic could return to Italy at the beginning of next week. Milan will face Sassuolo in Serie A on 11 October, aware of a schedule packed with commitments.

In case of unavailability, the coach could use Davide Bartesaghi as left centre‑back or bring Matteo Gabbia back alongside De Winter, forming a back four with Gila and Estupinan.