Ivan Rakitic calf injury stops him playing for Croatia in friendlies
Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic will not play for Croatia against Israel and Hungary after suffering a pain in his right calf. It means he needs five to six days of rest, but should be available to play in the Clasico on April 2. He is set to return to Barcelona on Wednesday and work with the club medics.
The player arrived at the national team camp on Monday having suffered an injury in the 2-2 draw against Villarreal, in which he scored the opening goal. Having had an MRI scan on Monday the Croatian FA decided he could not play in the fixtures.
They will not call up a replacement, according to national team coach Ante Cacic, for the game in Osijek on Wednesday against Israel and then the visit to Budapest on Saturday to face Hungary.
