By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Alen Smailagic is out with abdominal inflammation and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Virtus Bologna updated the injury status of the 25-year-old forward on Wednesday, heading to Round 22 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season and a meeting with Dubai in Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday.
Following team practice in Dubai, the Italian side also confirmed that Aliou Diarra (left ankle) and Luca Vildoza (left thigh) remain unavailable for head coach Dusko Ivanovic, with Abramo Canka ruled out as well, besides the former player of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA.
“It will be a tough game against a team like Dubai that plays really well, especially here at home,” noted the 68-year-old play-caller, referring to the hosts carrying an 8-2 home tally to the next challenge of their maiden campaign in Europe’s premier club competition.
“This game will be difficult for us after such a long trip. We will have to be ready to face a difficult game. Some players in particular will have a greater sense of responsibility, as they will be asked to play in multiple positions,” added Ivanovic.
Il pre partita di coach Ivanovic e Daniel Hackett alla vigilia della sfida contro Dubai 🎙https://t.co/amgSlvAzo3
— Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) January 14, 2026
For the team coached by Jurica Golemac, Dzanan Musa is nearing a return after spending the majority of the season on the injury report due to a knee issue, but his status for the meeting with Vu Nere is unclear. Aleksa Avramovic, Davis Bertans, Boogie Ellis, and Mfiondu Kabengele also missed Round 14 of the AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season, but are expected to be available. Mouhammadou Jaiteh, Kosta Kondic, and Nate Mason remain out.
Both sides sit at 10-11, one game outside the Play-In Showdown zone.