Haris Tabaković, one of the Bosnian national team’s star players, has suffered a severe injury that may rule him out of the upcoming World Cup, dealing a significant blow to the team’s prospects.

The forward, who plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach, sustained the injury during the final match of the Bundesliga season after a collision with Ozan Kabak of Hoffenheim. Initial assessments indicated a broken ankle, and the player’s leg is now in a cast.

Medical professionals have recommended surgery, which could extend his recovery period to up to six months. This development has come as a shock to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s fans, especially given Tabaković’s stellar performance this season, where he scored 13 goals and provided three assists for Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Head coach Sergej Barbarez now faces a significant challenge, as he has lost one of the team’s most critical players just before the World Cup. Instead of preparing for the tournament and what was expected to be the pinnacle of Tabaković’s career, he now faces a difficult rehabilitation period.