In what has been the biggest controversy until now in Russia, Croatian Kalinic was sent home recently by his coach Zlatko Dalic. The Fiorentina striker was told by his coach to warm up for a substitute appearance against Nigeria but Kalinic refused to do so. He cited a back issue as the reason which Dalic did not buy.
A similar incident had happened during a friendly against Brazil as well as in a training session. Dalic consulted with his coaching staff and then took the decision to send Kalinic packing.
Mario Mandzukic is currently the first-choice striker for Croatia and Ante Rebic and Andrej Kramaric are used in support. Kalinic has dropped out of favour and last started a game for his nation in 2017.
Croatia must now play the rest of the World Cup with 22 players as replacements are not permitted at this stage.