Newcastle United defender Amar Dedić has returned to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Manager Sergej Barbarez named a 26-player roster for the November matches against Sweden and Romania, ending Dedić's absence due to a hamstring injury.

Dedić missed the September and October international breaks after re-aggravating the muscle issue during a Premier League match against Leeds United. His return provides a significant boost to the defence ahead of two key encounters. The team will first visit Sweden in Solna on November 14 before hosting Romania in Zenica four days later. Both matches will be broadcast live on BHRT.

Barbarez has welcomed back several key players. In defence, alongside Dedić, are Sead Kolašinac, Nihad Mujakić, Arjan Malić, Tarik Muharemović, Nikola Katić, Stjepan Radeljić, Dennis Hadžikadunić and Zinedin Smajlović. The midfield includes Benjamin Tahirović, Armin Gigovic, Ivan Sunjic, Dženis Burnić, Amar Memić, Kerim Alajbegović, Esmir Bajraktarević and Ivan Bašić. The forward line features Ermedin Demirović, Haris Tabaković, Samed Baždar, Jovo Lukić and Matej Deket. The goalkeepers are Martin Zlomislić, Salko Hamzić and Mladen Jurkas.

The manager highlighted positive signs from recent performances. "The last four matches have given us plenty of reasons to be satisfied," said Barbarez. "We have seen a team that believes in itself, fights hard, and knows exactly what it wants to achieve on the pitch."

The team enters this important block of games on the back of a solid run of results. Their last match was a 1-0 victory over Poland on October 5th, with the only goal scored by Ivan Bašić from the penalty spot in the 84th minute. Prior to that was a 1-1 draw with Sweden, where Kerim Alajbegović scored for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their overall form from the last four matches reads one win, two draws and one defeat (LDWD).

The objective is clear: to secure the best possible position for the European Championship qualifying draw. Preparations will begin in Sarajevo before the trip to Sweden. The return of Amar Dedić adds further quality and experience to the backline for these vital challenges.

The report in full is at goal.com