Serbian media reports have clarified that international goalkeeper Predrag Raikovic, a player for Ittihad Jeddah, will need an additional month before returning to participate in official matches following the surgery he recently underwent.

Raikovic underwent a successful operation in early June in the Finnish city of Turku after suffering a serious injury during the match against Al-Shabab in the semi-finals of the King's Cup, which led to his absence from his team and the national team.

The reports confirmed that the goalkeeper will miss Serbia's commitments in September against Latvia and England, as he is still in the treatment and rehabilitation phase and will not rush back before fully completing his medical readiness.

It is expected that Raikovic will be available to participate with the Serbian national team in October, according to the established treatment plan, which gives him enough time to regain his fitness and gradually return to competitions.

It is noteworthy that the goalkeeper did not accompany the Ittihad delegation heading to Hong Kong for the Saudi Super Cup involving Al-Nassr, Al-Qadisiyah, and Al-Ahli Jeddah, based on the decision of coach Laurent Blanc.

Raikovic joined Ittihad in August 2024 from Spanish club Real Mallorca on a contract that extends until 2028, and he has become the team's starting goalkeeper since his arrival.