Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Dusan Tadic hopes to be available for Southampton against Liverpool

Southampton attacking midfielder Dusan Tadic he could play against Liverpool on Saturday wearing a protective mask after suffering a suspected broken nose.

Tadic was accidentally struck in the face by Swansea City's Neil Taylor in Serbia's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The 27-year-old was covered in blood after being hit on the bridge of the nose and required lengthy treatment before returning to the pitch to finish the match.

"I think I have broken my nose," Tadic said. "At first I thought I could not see many things but I couldn't leave my teammates alone on the pitch and I wanted to play and this is important. Every player feels really important for the team. You cannot leave teammates without you.

"I couldn't breathe or do anything and I lost a lot of blood. I see a little bit also not so good. But that does not matter as when you play a game, you want to fight for your country to try to give your best."

On whether he would be available for Serbia's friendly against Ukraine on Tuesday night and the home game against Liverpool, Tadic added: "Serbia people are not soft. We will see. I can wear a mask."

Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco did not book Taylor for the challenge, which Tadic had no qualms about.

"Spanish referees have a different criteria," Tadic added. "He gave a little bit of a 'fight game,' you know, and that is good for Wales. But this is not important. The tackle on me was really hard but this is the referee's decision.

"We don't need to think about that. I saw Taylor after the game and he asked me how it was. I said it is OK."

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