A new concern has arisen at PAOK, following Dimitris Monastirlis’ injury during the Greece U-21 national team’s match against Iceland in Reykjavik, as part of the Euro U-21 qualifying playoffs. The 22-year-old goalkeeper was forced to leave the game, and PAOK is now awaiting the results of medical tests to determine the extent of the injury.
Monastirlis was injured in the 58th minute of the match, experiencing discomfort in his hip. The incident did not initially appear particularly concerning; however, the young goalkeeper was unable to continue, and Nikolaos Botis took his place. The player’s condition will be evaluated by the medical staff, though it is not yet possible to determine with certainty how long it might take for him to return.
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This development is causing even greater concern for PAOK, as Monastirlis had become a key player in recent matches. The 22-year-old had started in PAOK’s previous three matches, against AEK, Asteras AKTOR, and Olympiacos, seizing his opportunity and establishing himself as one of the key options available in goal.
The problem is made even more significant by the absence of Jiri Pavlenka. The Czech goalkeeper has undergone shoulder surgery and remains sidelined, with his return not expected for at least two months. This means that, should Monastirlis’s injury prove to be serious, Antonis Tsiftsis will be the only available goalkeeper for the first team.
The Monastirlis situation is now at the top of PAOK’s agenda, with Alessio Lisi awaiting the medical tests to determine what options he will have at his disposal after the break. The Thessaloniki-based team continues its preparations today, Friday (11/13), but the biggest question mark now concerns the young goalkeeper’s condition and the possibility of a serious void in that position.
*photo source: PAOK FC / PAOK FC
