The Ukrainian Football Association commented on the situation regarding midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, who left the Ukrainian national team camp after the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against France due to an injury.
«Sudakov arrived at the national team’s camp with discomfort in his thigh muscle. In Benfica, examinations were conducted, and at that moment there was nothing preventing him from joining the national team, where his condition was monitored by the national team’s doctors.
The footballer felt pain after the match with France. After an MRI, an injury to the external obturator muscle of his thigh was detected. This diagnosis did not allow him to continue working with the national team, so there was no point in keeping Georgiy there. He certainly would not have recovered in time for the match with Iceland. That’s why the decision was made to release Georgiy to his club for further treatment and recovery at Benfica.
Regarding the „serious injury,“ Serhiy Stanislavovich meant that Sudakov’s injury would not allow him to stay with the national team for the important match against Iceland. As our doctors said, this injury might recur. Further decisions depend on Benfica’s doctors, as they will see the dynamics of recovery and can precisely tell when Sudakov will be ready to play,» — stated the UAF press office’s announcement.