Reports emerged earlier on Tuesday (AEST) that Kalinic had refused to come off the bench during his country's opening 2-0 win over Nigeria in Group D, citing his back complaint.

Speaking after the match, Dalic said his side had finished the 90 minutes without injuries but "with a problem".

However, Dalic told a specially arranged news conference that Kalinic would depart Croatia's team base in Roschino but due to recurring back spasms, as opposed to any disciplinary issue.