Russia 2018: Croatia striker sent home for refusing to play against Super Eagles

Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic, has sent Nikola Kalinic home from the 2018 World Cup.

Kalinic reportedly refused to come off the bench, during their 2-0 win over Nigeria last Saturday.

The AC Milan player was left on the bench for the Croats’ Group D opener.

It was the fourth successive international fixture where he had been left on the bench.

But asked to come on in the 85th minute, Kalinic reportedly complained of a back problem and refused to play, something which didn’t convince his manager.

His exit means Croatia have just Mario Mandzukic left within their squad as an out-and-out No.9.