Croatia head coach, Zlatko Dalic, has confirmed he has axed Nikola Kalinic from his 2018 World Cup squad.
The AC Milan striker refused to come on as a substitute, during his side’s 2-0 win over Nigeria in Group D on Saturday.
Dalic has now confirmed Kalinic has suffered the consequences for his actions and will miss the rest of the competition.
“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 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,” Dalic told a press conference on Monday.
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