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'short stay'

Leukaemia-fighting Sinisa Mihajlovic back in hospital for treatment after bone marrow transplant

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BOLOGNA coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is back in hospital for treatment following his recent bone marrow transplant.

The Serie A club confirmed on Monday that "antiviral treatment" is necessary amid his battle with leukaemia.

 Mihajlovic began his second spell with Bologna in January 2019
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Mihajlovic began his second spell with Bologna in January 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press

Mihajlovic, 50, was on the bench for the weekend win at SPAL but only after rain in the first-half had forced him into the stands.

Having had three rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, the Serbian is at a greater risk of infection due to a weaker immune system.

A made clear the regular nature of his late hospital visit with it hopefully shorter than other spells.

It read: "Sinisa Mihajlovic was admitted to the Seragnoli Institute of Hematology this morning to undergo the necessary antiviral therapy after being subject to a donor bone marrow transplant.

"Healthcare professionals at the institute believe that the duration of his stay in hospital ought to be shorter than those in the past."

Mihajlovic revealed his diagnosis with the "aggressive but beatable" disease in July - vowing to "face it, with chest puffed out, looking it in the eyes, the way I always have done".

During the Emilia-Romagna side's season, in which they sit 11th in Serie A, the coach has only been able to direct them from the touchline on occasion.

A dramatic 4-3 win over Brescia in September saw the squad coach stop off at Mihajlovic's hospital on the way home after he had rang in with an inspirational half-time team talk.

After attending a couple of Bologna's games earlier in the campaign, he made a heroic return in October when facing former side Lazio, where he is a fan favourite from his playing days.

Bologna players stop team bus at hospital to see leukaemia-battling boss Sinisa Mihajlovic