Croatia have sent AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic home from the World Cup due to a back problem, head coach Zlatko Dalic has confirmed.
Croatia Send Nikola Kalinic Home From World Cup
Nikola Kalinic's World Cup campaign with Croatia is over due to supposed back spasms, amid reports of a rift with boss Zlatko Dalic.
Reports emerged earlier on Monday 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 Saturday's match, Dalic told reporters 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.
