Drama In Croatia Camp: AC Milan Star To Be Sent Home For Refusing To Sub In Vs Nigeria

Published: June 18, 2018

According to reports in Croatia, manager Zlatko Dalić has decided to send one of the players in the 23-man squad home due to indiscipline.

Croatian newspaper 24sata, says AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic will be sent home from the World Cup after refusing to come on as a substitute in Croatia's 2-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday evening.

Dalic asked Kalinic to replace Mario Mandžukić with five minutes left on the clock but the striker refused, saying he has a back injury.

The Croatian manager still made the substitution, bringing on Juventus winger Marko Pjaca.

Croatia have called a press conference today and the announcement that Kalinic has been expelled from the squad is expected to be made official, leaving the team with 22 players.

An own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo and a Luka Modric penalty gave Croatia a 2-0 win over Nigeria at the Kaliningrad Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : hns-cff.hr