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Djordje Mihailovic doubtful for AZ Alkmaar’s cup clash with calf injury

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AZ Alkmaar will face a stern test in Tuesday’s KNVB Cup Round of 16 clash with FC Utrecht and manager Pascal Jansen isn’t expecting to have American midfielder Djordje Mihailovic to call on for the second-consecutive match.

Mihailovic missed Saturday’s 1-1 Eredivisie draw with FC Volendam due to a calf injury, Jansen confirmed postmatch. The former CF Montreal and Chicago Fire attacker has made a bright impression since arriving in the Netherlands, scoring one goal and registering one assist for the current second place side.

However, Mihailovic’s status remains doubtful for Tuesday’s cup match, due to a short turnaround between league and cup action.

“We have to wait and see how Mihailovic is doing,” Jansen said Monday. “[He] went better yesterday, but the question is whether the match against [FC] Utrecht will not come too early. Excelsior is more realistic.”

Mihailovic has started in three of his four Eredivisie appearances so far, helping AZ Alkmaar to a 2-0-2 record over that span. The U.S. men’s national team attacker has fit right into Jansen’s plans, featuring in the heart of AZ Alkmaar’s midfield and helping the Dutch club remain alive in the title race.

AZ Alkmaar is unbeaten in eight-straight matches across all competitions, hosting FC Utrecht before welcoming Excelsior to town on Feb. 10. Mihailovic will surely fight to be available for the continuation of the league schedule, especially with a trip to first place Feyenoord coming up on Feb. 18.

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