Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric ruled out of Malta clash

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has been ruled out of Croatia's final Euro 2016 qualifying game against Malta on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old was substituted at half time in the nation's 3-0 victory over Bulgaria with an abductor muscle injury.

The Croatian Football Association's official website confirmed on Sunday that Modric will not be able to take part.

"Luka Modric undertook an MRI scan that confirmed a minimal edema. Therefore, he will not be available for the Malta encounter, considering the inadequate timespan for complete recovery," said Croatia national team doctor Boris Nemec.

Ante Cacic's team, who are currently third in Group H, require a victory against Malta to have any hope of qualifying automatically for the 2016 European Championships.