Ivan Rakitic set to miss crucial UEFA Nations League clash against England

The former Sevilla midfielder will be a major absentee for the Blazers.

Croatia star Ivan Rakitic is all set to miss a crucial tie against England in the UEFA Nations League. The Barcelona midfielder picked up an injury during The Blazers’ exciting 3-2 win over Spain on Thursday. Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic confirmed the player’s absence for Sunday’s game against the Three Lions saying it is a serious injury.

“He will go to Barcelona, it’s a serious injury. You know that I usually take no risk. If there is a doubt that the injury could be serious, then we let him rest,” said Dalic.

“ We want healthy players and Ivan in this moment is not 100 percent ready. Unfortunately, we are going to play without him,” he added.

Rakitic is a key man in the Croatian midfield and has remarkably capped 102 times for his country while scoring on 15 occasions. The former Basel, Schalke and Sevilla midfielder played a crucial role in The Blazers’ journey towards the FIFA World Cup 2018 final in Russia, which they unfortunately lost to France. The 30 year-old alongside Luka Modric, formed the deadly Croatian midfield during the World Cup.

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However, Dalic refused to lament on Rakitic’s absence, as he talked about how he can arrange for necessary replacements. “We will see who will replace him. We have Mateo [Kovacic], we have Josip [Brekalo], we have Milan [Badelj].”

“There is always solution and we should stop whining about someone who’s not going to be there. We will find a solution and we are going to Wembley to enjoy football,” concluded the 52 year-old.

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The game at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, will be of immense quality as the winner will qualify for the semi finals of the Nations League. It will also be a replay of the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi final when Croatia had got the better of England by winning 2-1 in the extra time. Thus, the Three Lions will look to avenge their loss and go all out in their capital while Modric and Co will try their best to display their class.

Here's a big match preview to get you in the zone.