PAU (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Serbia coach Aleksandar Djordjevic can't be sure at this stage which players are going to travel to Spain to compete at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Injuries are keeping some off the court.

What he is confident of, however, is that the national squad that does end up in Granada for Group A games against France, Brazil, Egypt, Iran and hosts Spain will be formidable on defense.

The Serbians have time and time again this summer in the preparations shown a commitment to play tough defense, including on Sunday in Pau in a 79-69 triumph over France.

"We can be satisfied with this tour and where we are, without important players, because we beat some strong opponents," said Djordjevic.

"But what is more important is that a good defense is a token of recognition of our team, something that gives character to the team.

"Many times I've said that all players have the desire to play good defense and it showed in the tournament.

"This is something that we have built so far."

Djordjevic has not had captain Nenad Krstic, starting playmaker Milos Teodosic or guard Nemanja Nedovic for the tournament in Pau, where Serbia also defeated Croatia but lost to Greece.

The coach also chose not to use Bogdan Bogdanovic against France.

Djordjevic is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to the final make-up of his squad.

What he is willing to talk about, though, is the need for the Serbians to keep working hard to get ready for the World Cup.

"In the coming period we are facing a slightly different work in which we have to improve many elements of the game," Djordjevic said.

"We need calm heads, with the players' feet on the ground," he said.

FIBA