The Ukrainian player Eduard Sobol's recent appearance for "Brugge" in combination with a previous statement about his inability to help the national team in September's League of Nations matches has caused significant public resonance.

Since then, the player himself decided to clarify the situation to avoid misunderstandings:

— For a month now, I have been experiencing discomfort in my groin area. After an examination, a hematoma was discovered. Club doctors expected that this issue would resolve itself sooner, but it did not. Yesterday, the head doctor of "Brugge" told me that to avoid potential complications in the future, it is necessary to drain blood from the affected area.

After such a procedure, I will be unable to train for at least five days. This information was immediately conveyed to the national team's head coach, Oleksandr Petrakov. It is clear that returning to training just two days before the final, third match of the League of Nations (assuming proper healing) makes my chances of participating in the game minimal.

However, I want to emphasize — even after the procedure, I am willing to come to the national team's camp and wait for the wound to heal, even without training opportunities. Oleksandr Vasilievich understood the situation and said that in these matches, I would not be able to help the team, and this corresponds to reality. Even though it is painful for me to realize...

— However, you came on as a substitute in Brugge's match yesterday...

— Currently, this problem causes significant discomfort. Nevertheless, if necessary, I can come onto the field. Therefore, the head coach included me in the lineup and sent me on for the final 20 minutes of play.

However, doctors insist on removing the hematoma, saying that there could be complications later on. The club doctor's diagnosis was provided to the national team’s medical staff, who agreed with it after assessing potential risks and consequences. Therefore, I simply need to undergo this procedure in order to continue playing football.

Alexander Hlyvinskyi, press secretary of the Ukrainian national team