How Croatia could line up against Canada

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic is sweating over the fitness of Nikola Vlasic ahead of Sunday's World Cup 2022 Group F clash with Canada at the Khalifa International Stadium.

The West Ham United attacker came off at half time in their opening draw with Morocco on Wednesday due to discomfort, although he has avoided serious injury.

Nevertheless, the quick turnaround means that Vlasic will need careful assessment ahead of this one, and Dalic must also check on Domagoj Vida, who has been suffering from muscular pain.

Mario Pasalic replaced Vlasic at half time against Morocco, but the Atalanta BC man is expected to lose out to Marko Livaja for a start alongside Andrej Kramaric and Ivan Perisic in the final third.

Mislav Orsic could also freshen up an attack that managed just five shots on matchday one, but the Dinamo Zagreb attacker will likely be consigned to the bench alongside Lovro Majer.

Dalic highlighted Majer's ability to shoot from range after the draw with Morocco, but it would be surprising not to see Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic link arms in the middle once more.

Dejan Lovren was a standout performer at the back on Wednesday and should hold his place alongside Josko Gvardiol, leaving 100-cap defender Domagoj Vida on the bench.

Borna Sosa and Josip Juranovic should not be in any danger of losing their spots out wide, as Dominik Livakovic acts as the last line of the Chequered Ones' defence.

Croatia possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic

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