The absence of Luka Jovic from Serbia's matches against Paraguay and Lithuania in October was not, as had been stated, for his lack of playing time at Real Madrid. Instead it was apparently an act of punishment from the new coach, Ljubisa Tumbakovic.

Jovic in the bad books

Jovic had been called up for national duty in September. In the first game against Portugal, the coach left him on the bench, bringing him on with only three minutes remaining. For the following game, against Luxembourg, the striker cited an injury and was let go from the squad, but then four days later he played for Real Madrid against Levante (even if it was only the final seven minutes). It is suggested Tumbakovic took note, considered it a snub, and left him out of his current group.

From Los Blancos' perspective, this is clearly a positive. The striker is fighting to get a regular place in Zinedine Zidane's first team, and prove his worth to the club and their supporters following a big money move in the summer. Jovic is one of nine players using this international break to impress the French coach.