Not only will Brajković not help Hajduk against Paphos, but he is also suspected of the blackest scenario

Roko Brajković, a 21-year-old winger for Hajduk Split, has been ruled out of the return leg of their Europa League play-off against Cypriot side Pafos after sustaining an injury during a training session on Sunday. Medical assessments have raised concerns about a potential tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee, which could sideline him for six to nine months. Final confirmation of the injury’s severity will come following further tests scheduled for Monday morning, including an MRI scan. For now, there is a small chance the injury might be less severe, resulting in a recovery period of around one month. Brajković’s absence comes at a critical time for Hajduk, who currently hold a 2-0 advantage over Pafos from the first leg played at Poljud Stadium. If they advance past this stage, the Croatian club will face Austrian side Salzburg in the third qualifying round of the Europa League. To reach the group phase of the competition, Hajduk would need to successfully navigate both the third qualifying round and the play-off stages. Should they fail to progress beyond the play-off round of the Europa League, they would automatically qualify for the group stage of the Conference League instead. If Hajduk loses to Pafos in the return leg, they would drop down to the Conference League’s third qualifying round, where they would face the winner of the match between Lithuanian side Žalgiris and Georgian club Dinamo Tbilisi. In that scenario, they would still need to pass two additional hurdles, the third qualifying round and the play-off, to secure a spot in the Conference League’s group stage. Brajković has emerged as one of Hajduk’s key players this season, earning a starting position through consistent performances. He made his debut with the club in 2022 and gained more prominent minutes under coach Gennaro Gattuso during the spring of 2025. After a rocky start to his tenure under current manager Gonzalo García, he stabilized himself on the right flank in 2026 and became a vital component of the team, particularly due to the lack of alternatives in that position. His contributions have been notable, especially in the first leg against Pafos, where he played a pivotal role in securing the 2-0 victory. He also scored a crucial goal against Žilina in the first qualifying round. Over the course of 52 appearances for Hajduk, he has scored six goals and recorded seven assists. His contract with the club runs until the summer of 2029, and his market value is estimated at one million euros by Transfermarkt. In his absence, coach Gonzalo García is expected to turn to Bamba Sanyang, a player who has primarily operated in a supporting role within the squad. While Sanyang is less defensively committed compared to Brajković, García has shown a preference for players who can contribute offensively, making him a possible candidate to fill the void left by the injured winger. Hajduk’s European campaign remains highly dependent on the outcome of the return leg against Pafos. The club’s performance in this match will determine whether they continue their pursuit of the Europa League group stage or shift focus to the Conference League. With Brajković potentially sidelined for an extended period, the team will need to adapt quickly to maintain its competitive edge in continental competitions.