Croatia confirm Kalinic's World Cup is over

Croatia have sent AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic home from the World Cup due to a back problem, head coach Zlatko Dalic has confirmed.

Reports emerged earlier on Monday that Kalinic had refused to come off the bench during his country's opening 2-0 win over Nigeria in Group D, citing his back complaint.

Speaking after Saturday's match, Dalic told reporters his side had finished the 90 minutes without injuries but "with a problem".

However, Dalic told a specially arranged news conference that Kalinic would depart Croatia's team base in Roschino but due to recurring back spasms, as opposed to any disciplinary issue.

"During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half," said Dalic.

"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."