Mehmedović and Gjorgijevska to miss opening Main Round games

Bad news for Budućnost’s fans, coaching staff and, of course, the players themselves as left wing Majda Mehmedović and right back Elena Gjorgijevska are set to miss the opening games in the Women’s EHF Champions League Main Round.

Contrary to what was first believed, both players have yet to fully recover from their injuries, which will leave Budućnost facing Györi Audi ETO KC in a rematch of last season's final on 2 February with a weakened team.

Mehmedović injured her right knee on 9 December playing for the Montenegrin national team against Hungary, in the first Main Round game of the EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia.

"Majda took part in preparations with the team in Budva, but further medical examinations revealed that the injury she suffered at the EURO in Serbia is more serious than expected.

“It means she will be off the court for some time to come. For now, it’s certain that she will not be able to play the first two Main Round games," coach Dragan Adžić said.

Elena Gjorgijevska was injured in mid-October of last year, in a very first Women’s EHF Champions League Group Matches game against Russian club Zvezda Zvenigorod, when she broke her right ankle ankle, and consequently underwent surgery.

"Elena is practicing with the team, and although her recovery is going according to the plan, at the moment it’s estimated she will not be able to help us against Györ," Adžić added.

Meanwhile, Budućnost played two games in the Regional League. They could only manage a 22:22 draw in Zaječar, but followed up with a 24:17 win against Metalurg in Skopje.

Goalkeeper Marina Vukčević also missed both games, despite being with the team.

“Marina didn’t play because of some ankle problems, but it’s nothing serious. She will soon be on the court, the two missed games were a precaution,” Adžić explained.

Commenting on the two games, Adžić felt that Budućnost played much better against Metalurg.

“The team seemed fresher and more rested against Metalurg, and I am particularly happy with the defence.

“It’s evident that there are things in our game that we can do better. However, we have enough time until the start of the Main Round and I believe that everything will fall into place for the game against Györ,” concluded Adžić.

The defending Women's EHF Champions League winners will play one more game before the start of Main Round, on 26 January in Podgorica against Macedonian club Vardar.