AC Milan forward Nikola Kalinic has today (June 18, 2018) officially been sent home from Croatia’s World Cup squad after refusing to come on as a substitute in his country’s game against Nigeria. The news was confirmed by Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic, who said that the 30 year old had cited a back injury as the reason for not wanting to come on against the Super Eagles (he had also done the same in the recent friendly against Brazil). However sources say that Kalinic is reportedly unhappy at not starting for the national side, with Dalic preferring the duo of Mario Mandzukic (Juve) and Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim).
The suspension effectively means that Croatia, who won their WC opener 2-0, will play the rest of the campaign with only 22 players. No replacement will be allowed for the departing Kalinic.
Kalinic netted thrice in WC 2018 qualifying for Croatia, netting goals against Kosovo, Ukraine and Greece. This was his first World Cup with the national side- he has been part of three previous European Championships squads (2008, 2012 and 2016)
