Croatia striker Kalinic sent home from World Cup after claims of back injury

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic confirmed on Monday that striker Nikola Kalinic has been sent home from team camp after refusing to enter the opening-group game against Nigeria as a substitute.

In a press conference, Dalic explained: "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."

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Kalinic, who scored six goals during a season on loan at AC Milan from Fiorentina last term, has only been named as a substitute for each of Croatia's last four games, but his forced departure leaves his nation short on attacking options.

With Andrej Kramaric playing as more of a second striker at club level for Hoffenheim, Dalic now has just Juventus man Mario Mandzukic as an out-and-out centre-forward in his squad for the remainder of the World Cup.

After beating Nigeria 2-0 in their opener on Saturday, Dalic's side next faces 2014 finalist Argentina on Thursday.