Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic sent home from World Cup

Croatia have confirmed that striker Nikola Kalinic has been sent home from the World Cup after refusing to come on as a substitute against Nigeria.

The 30-year-old was left on the bench for the fourth international running as his side battled to a 2-0 victory in Kaliningrad at the weekend.

Kalinic was summoned in the 85th minute when manager Zlatko Dalic was looking to take off Mario Mandzukic, however, only to reportedly complain of a back problem.

Croatia confirmed in a statement on Monday afternoon that the 41-cap international will play no further part in their World Cup campaign, with games against Argentina and Iceland still to come in the group stage.

Reports suggest that Kalinic is at the centre of transfer talks between Sevilla and AC Milan after scoring just six times for the Italian club last season.