Plovdiv midfielder Catalin Itu is seeking treatment in Belgrade, potentially sidelining him for Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s upcoming match against Spartak Varna on Saturday. The 26-year-classic Romanian international has already missed recent fixtures against Botev Plovdiv in the cup and Cherno More due to the injury, raising concerns about his availability as the team battles for position in the Bulgarian First League. The situation surrounding Itu is particularly noteworthy given recent speculation linking him with a transfer to Levski Sofia.
Itu traveled to Serbia last Monday, February 9th, to consult with renowned healer Mariana, according to reports. Initial attempts to accelerate his recovery in hopes of playing against Botev Plovdiv proved unsuccessful, leading to a prolonged therapy regimen. The player is expected to return to Plovdiv today or tomorrow, as reported by “Tema Sport.” This reliance on alternative treatment methods highlights the lengths to which both Itu and Lokomotiv Plovdiv are going to get him back on the pitch.
A Key Player’s Recovery and Transfer Rumors
The midfielder has become a pivotal figure under coach Dushan Kosic, making his potential absence a significant blow for Lokomotiv Plovdiv. The club is currently navigating a competitive league season, and Itu’s presence is crucial to their ambitions. However, the ongoing rumors of a move to Levski Sofia add another layer of complexity to the situation. Sportal.bg reports that Itu is “strongly linked” with a transfer to the Sofia-based club.
The timing of the injury and the subsequent treatment in Belgrade inevitably fuel speculation about the transfer. While the club publicly focuses on his recovery, the possibility of Itu leaving Lokomotiv Plovdiv remains a prominent topic among fans, and analysts. The player’s performance and importance to the team create him an attractive target for other clubs, and Levski Sofia appears to be at the forefront of the chase.
Lokomotiv Plovdiv Faces Challenges Ahead
Lokomotiv Plovdiv will also be without young winger Sevi Idris for the match against Spartak Varna, following his red card in the previous game against Cherno More. The team will, however, welcome back goalkeeper Boyan Milosavljevic, providing a boost in that position. The source details these team news updates ahead of Saturday’s match.
The team’s recent form has been strong, as evidenced by their 2-1 victory over Spartak 1918 Varna on August 30, 2025, which propelled them to the top of the First League standings. Gol.bg reported on that match, noting the game featured two red cards, one for Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s Todor Pavlov and another for Spartak Varna’s Luis Pahama.
The Road to Recovery and Potential Return
Mariana, the healer in Belgrade, is known for her unconventional methods, and Itu’s decision to seek her expertise underscores the desperation to regain fitness. The effectiveness of the treatment remains to be seen, but the club is clearly willing to explore all options to get their key player back on the field. The next few days will be critical in determining whether Itu will be available for the match against Spartak Varna.
The club will be closely monitoring Itu’s progress upon his return to Plovdiv. A final decision on his availability will likely be made closer to the match, taking into account his physical condition and the medical staff’s assessment. Fans will be hoping for positive news, as Itu’s presence could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s next confirmed action is their match against Spartak Varna on Saturday at 15:00 local time. Updates on Itu’s condition and the team’s preparations will be available through the club’s official channels. Share your thoughts on Lokomotiv Plovdiv’s season and Itu’s recovery in the comments below.
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