Bosnian national team assistant coach Elvir Rahimic has hit out at Inter coach Simone Inzaghi who suggested that striker Edin Dzeko should be rested during Bosnia and Herzgovina’s World Cup qualifiers during the break.

Speaking in a press conference as reported by Bosnian journalist Haris Mrkonja, Rahimic stated that Dzeko will play in the fixtures if he is fit, and criticized Inzaghi for his comments.

Dzeko had to be substituted during the derby against AC Milan on Sunday, with the striker having pulled up after a spring in the second half and immediately indicated to the bench that he was not able to continue.

Tests indicated that the 35-year-old had picked up a thigh strain, though he will need further examinations to determine the exact scope of the injury and the likely recovery time.

However, it is possible that the player will miss out on Bosnia and Herzgovina’s first qualifier of the break, against Finland, and unclear when he will be able to return afterwards.

Inzaghi gave the view that the striker should be rested during the break rather than risking further fatigue or exacerbation of the injury, but Rahimic was critical of these remarks stating that the national team will play him should they feel he is able to take the pitch.

“As far as Edin Dzeko’s injury, we hope he’ll be ready,” he stated. “His recovery is going great and we believe he can play. The other players also work hard.”

He went on that “The most important thing is that they are ready and the atmosphere is at a high level. We work hard every day to best prepare the team for the coming matches.”

Responding to Inzaghi’s comments, he stated that “We have read them. He would like us to not risk the player in these two matches. But this is nonsense. If Dzeko is ready, he will certainly play. For now there is still a possibility that he will play.”