Croatia facing injury concerns at Euro2016
Jun 19, 2016 - 6:32 PM SAINT-MARTIN-DE-RE, France, June 19 AP - Croatia may be without one of their best players for their toughest match at the European Championship.Luka Modric is nursing a muscle injury and is doubtful to play in the decisive Group D match against defending champion Spain on Tuesday.
Spain have already advanced to the round of 16, but Croatia need at least a draw at Stade de Bordeaux to secure second place without depending on other results.
The Croats are second in the group with four points, two behind Spain and three ahead of the Czech Republic. Turkey have yet to earn a point. Croatia would still be likely to advance as one of the best third-placed teams regardless of Tuesday's results.
Modric was injured in the second half of the 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic on Friday, when Croatia relinquished a two-goal lead late in the game to miss a chance to clinch their berth in the knockout stage.
"We will wait to see his condition and then decide whether he will play or not," Croatia coach Ante Cacic said about Modric. "We are building the team around him and we are limited without him."
Cacic also may not be able to count on forward Mario Mandzukic because of a muscle injury.
The Croatian soccer federation said both players underwent tests on Saturday and results didn't show any major injuries, but it was "still early" to know whether they would be fit to play on Tuesday.
"The final decision will be made depending on their day-to-day recovery," the federation said.
Source: AAP
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