Saša Lukić
FULSerbia
Right
Aug 13, 1996
29
6'0"
168 lb
CM
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Box-to-Box
FulhamOption from bench
Lukic (hamstring) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against West Ham.
Analysis: Lukic is finally back in the team after he trained last week, with the midfielder appearing to take the return cautiously from the bench. After building some fitness, he should find a starting role, recording one goal and two assists in 19 appearances (15 starts).
Remains on verge of return
Lukic (hamstring) is questionable for Wednesday's match against West Ham, according to manager Marco Silva, per Jon Herald of the Hounslow Herald. "Tomorrow we are going to take some important decisions related with the game and with the squad list and with starting XI and for sure we have some players to assess and after taking decisions."
Analysis: Lukic will need some further testing and time to decide if he can play Wednesday, on the verge of a return for a second straight game. This will be something to monitor after his long absence, as his return would give the club back another starter in the midfield. However, they may ease him back into play to start, likely a bench option if deemed fit enough for the team sheet.
Still out
Lukic (hamstring) is out for Sunday's match against Tottenham.
Analysis: Lukic was back in training this week but still seemed to be an outside shot of making the team sheet, ultimately not fit enough to find a spot. This still leaves a return open in the next few weeks as the midfielder continues to build up his health.
Possibility for Sunday
Lukic (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's match against Tottenham, according to manager Marco Silva. "Sasa has been in and out of contention, but he's had a good week."
Analysis: Lukic could make the call Sunday, but it will likely be left up to a late call, with the midfielder questionable after training this week. After six straight games missed in the past month, the midfielder will be looking for his return, starting in 15 of his 19 appearances this season. The big question is how fit he will be if he can play Sunday, as he is unlikely to see a starting role immediately after the absence.
Starts to train
Lukic (hamstring) has begun to train again but will remain out another game, according to manager Marco Silva. "Sasa and Tom are back training. For one of them, it will be too soon."
Analysis: Lukic is starting to make major step sin his recovery, with the midfielder an option to train. However, with a few more weeks still expected of recovery, he is set to miss yet another match, taking the cautious route. He wasn't expected to return for another two weeks or so, although his return to training could prompt a return sooner.
Serious hamstring injury confirmed
Lukic is out for the next four to five weeks due to a hamstring injury, according to Marco Silva. "It was a difficult moment for him. After the game, it was painful, was difficult even to walk, and the feedback just confirmed that it was a serious injury. It's going to be difficult to define a clear timescale - more than four weeks probably out, four to five weeks he's going to be out of our plans for the games. He's another big player for us that is going to be out - it's a moment for the others to step in. It's our story so far this season."
Analysis: Lukic was feared to have suffered a serious injury, and that has been confirmed Friday, as a decent spell on the bench is expected from the midfielder. That said, he is eyeing around four to five weeks out at least, potentially facing more time out depending on his recovery. This will leave a gap in the midfield after six starts in their past seven games, with Alex Iwobi to return to a starting role in the midfield after his time at AFCON. Lukic will now start his recovery, looking to be an option again as the end of February approaches.
Significant injury feared
Lukic left Saturday's 1-0 loss to Leeds United due to an apparent muscle issue, with manager Marco Silva revealing that his injury "looks more serious right now. Difficult to walk.", Jack Kelly of Fulhamish reports.
Analysis: Lukic is now a potential loss for Fulham's upcoming contests after struggling with a physical problem in the second half of the weekend's match. The midfielder had made six starts over the last seven games across all competitions, providing one assist over that span. If he's in fact ruled out, his spot could be covered by Tom Cairney alongside Sander Berge in a double pivot.
Delivers one assist
Lukic assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Thursday's 1-1 draw versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Lukic helped his side draw level against Crystal Palace on Thursday by assisting Tom Cairney's goal, while also contributing defensively with four tackles and two clearances. The midfielder is benefiting from Alex Iwobi's absence due to AFCON, making a third consecutive start. While his role in midfield doesn't lend itself to frequent goal contributions, he has recorded one goal and two assists across 16 Premier League appearances this season.
Starting Monday
Lukic (groin) is back in the starting XI for Monday's clash with Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Lukic is back in the starting XI after overcoming a groin issue. The midfielder has been a bench option more often than not in recent weeks but despite the groin issue he's now back in the starting XI. Lukic being fully fit is a good sign especially with a busy schedule and some players missing for AFCON, meaning he could have a bigger role in the coming weeks.
Late call against Forest
Lukic (groin) will be a late fitness call ahead of Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest, coach Marco Silva said in the press conference, according to Jack Kelly from Fulhamish. "We are going to assess Sasa. Doesn't look serious. Let's see with Lukic, let's hope he can be in contention."
Analysis: Lukic was forced off as precaution at halftime against Newcastle in Wednesday's Carabao Cup game but his injury to his groin doesn't look serious. The midfielder will be a late fitness call after the final training session to see if he can be deemed fit enough to feature in Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest. That said, Lukic started only once in his last four games, therefore a potential absence won't be as impactful as when he was an undisputed starter at the early stages on the campaign.
Forced off as precaution
Lukic (groin) was forced off as a precaution at halftime during Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup due to feeling his groin, coach Marco Silva said in a press conference, according to Jack Kelly from Fulhamish. "Sasa was feeling the groin. Was a precaution."
Analysis: Lukic couldn't carry on for the second half of Wednesday's clash against the Magpies in the Carabao Cup since he felt something in his groin and was forced off as a precaution. This issue shouldn't make him a big doubt for Monday's clash against Nottingham Forest since he has some time to recover before the game, but his situation has to be monitored since he remains a regular starter for Fulham, although he lost his starting spot in the last weeks.
Clears suspension
Lukic is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Lukic has served his suspension due to yellow cards accumulation in the Premier League and is set to return in the next contest. The midfielder is an undisputed starter in the heart of the game for the Cottagers and should claim back that role on Saturday against Tottenham.
Records fifth yellow card
Lukic has picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will be suspended for one game.
Analysis: Lukic is not going to be an option for the club in their next contest, as the midfielder has suffered his fifth yellow card of the season in nine appearances. This will ban him from their next game against Sunderland on Nov. 22, returning to face Tottenham on Nov. 29. He is a starter, so they will need a replacement, with Emile Smith Rowe and Tom Cairney as possible replacements.
Scores in return
Lukic scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.
Analysis: Lukic, who suffered a groin injury on Oct. 3 and was initially expected to be out for four to six weeks, made his return to the pitch Saturday. He marked his return with a close range header in the 56th minute, his first goal of the season. He played well on the defensive end too as he won four duels, made two clearances and won one tackle. He was subbed off in the 84th minute for Tom Cairney.
Starting in midfield
Lukic (groin) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Newcastle.
Analysis: Lukic has been cleared to return and is back in the starting lineup for Saturday's match after an absence that was initially expected to be longer. The midfielder has only missed one of the club's nine matches this season and resumes his regular spot in midfield. He should slot back into a defensive role and offer stability in the center of the park.
Possibility for Saturday
Lukic (groin) is an option for Saturday's match against Newcastle, according to manager Marco Silva. "The response from him has been very good, he takes care of himself. If he feels well, he will be in contention."
Analysis: Lukic appears to be an option again despite a longer absence expected from the midfielder, as he has been cleared for Saturday's match. The club will be happy with the news, as they gain back a regular starter, only missing the start in one of the club's nine games this season. He will look to return to that spot immediately, reclaiming a more defensive role in the defense.
Set to miss four to six weeks
Lukic suffered an adductor injury in Friday's 3-1 loss against Bournemouth and will be sidelined for four to six weeks, Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic said in a press conference, according to Sam Tabuteau of The Standard. "Lukic has an injury to the adductor of his left leg, with a break between four and six weeks."
Analysis: Lukic was forced off in the 14th minute of Friday's defeat against the Cherries due to an adductor injury and is expected to miss between four and six weeks while recovering from the issue. This is a big blow for the Cottagers since he has started and played most of the full 90 minutes this season. His absence will likely open the door for Tom Cairney to see an increased role in the midfield under coach Marco Silva.
Injured Friday
Lukic was brought off with an apparent injury during Friday's clash with Bournemouth.
Analysis: Lukic was injured during Friday's match and brought off inside the opening 15 minutes. He was replaced by Tom Cairney. Lukic has the international break to try and recover, his status with the Serbian national team should give some indication of how serious the injury is.
Records assist
Lukic assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 3-1 loss against Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 34th minute.
Analysis: Lukic has been a steady contributor all season and further enhanced the statement by assisting Fulham's lone goal, scored by Raul Jimenez. Along with the assist, he will finish his September with seven corners, four chances created and three accurate crosses.
All-around effort in win
Lukic had one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 win against Leeds United.
Analysis: Lukic continued to deliver a concerted effort with the cross, however, this was the first time in four outings he did not land one accurately. On the other hand, he recorded his first shot of the season and logged over 25 passes for a third time. He also set a season high with four tackles won.
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