Hajduk Split will play against Slaven Belupo in the 21st round of the SuperSport HNL today, but they will be without their leading scorer, Michele Šego, who has ten goals this season and is currently the second top scorer in the Croatian league. In his absence, Marko Livaja is returning to the starting lineup after recovering from an injury sustained on September 27 during a match against Lokomotiva. This match is particularly significant as it marks Livaja's second start since his injury, indicating his critical role in the team.

In addition to the absence of Šego, Hajduk will also be dealing with the departure of defender Branimir Mlačić, who was sold to Udinese for nearly five million euros during the winter transfer window. Mlačić has been a consistent presence in the starting eleven, and his departure leaves a gap in Hajduk's defense that will be filled by Ron Raci, a Kosovar defender. This shift in the lineup could affect the team's overall defensive strategy against Slaven Belupo, a match that promises to be critical in their current league standing.

Hajduk's coach has highlighted the importance of the returning players Livaja and Pukštas in the match, as they can significantly impact the team's performance. Given that both have been out for some time, their presence will be crucial for Hajduk not only in this match but also for the remainder of the season. This match could be a pivotal moment for Hajduk as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the league, and the outcome could have implications for their title aspirations as the season progresses.