Nikola Kalinic has returned home from Russia!
The AC Milan and Croatia striker is no longer with his country’s World Cup squad in Russia due to a back injury, coach Zlatko Dalic confirmed on Monday. Kalinic was an unused substitute in their 2-0 win over Nigeria in Group D opener on Saturday, and it was alleged that the 30-year-old had refused to come on after being left out of the starting line-up.
Dalic explained reasons why Kalinic, who has scored 15 goals in 42 international appearances, was permitted to leave Croatia’s base in Roshchino, north-west of Saint Petersburg. “During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half. However, he then stated that he wasn’t ready to come on due to a back issue,” the coach said. “The same thing happened during the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session on Sunday. I have calmly accepted that, and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision.” Croatia take on Argentina in Nizhny Novgorod on June 21.
Photo Credit: Getty
