Ten days prior to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, two players from the Serbian National Team, namely Alen Smailagic and Uros Trifunovic of Partizan Mozzart Bet, have been ruled out due to injuries.

“Unfortunately, we can’t rely on Smailagic,” Serbian head coach Svetislav Pesic said. “He suffered a severe viral illness and managed to recover but lost six or seven kilograms and could not train at all. Trifunovic is struggling with a lingering injury. He began training but couldn’t continue. I feel sorry for them; they are good guys. Let’s hope luck is on our side so we can qualify for the Olympic Games, and they will have a new chance.”