Striker Nikola Kalinic has been thrown out of Croatia's World Cup squad after refusing to play in the side's 2-0 Group D win over Nigeria on Saturday.

Reportedly refused to be brought on as a substitute

Croatian media outlet 24sata said on Monday morning that national coach Zlatko Dalic has taken the decision after Kalinic, who was named among the substitutes in Kaliningrad, declined to come on in the closing stages of the clash. The Croatian Football Federation later confirmed the player had left the team’s camp today, Monday, and would return home immediately.

Speaking post-match, Dalic had told reporters that the team had finished the game without injuries, but "with a problem".

Kalinic in frame for summer Sevilla switch

The shock news comes amid apparent talks between Milan and Sevilla with a view to the 30-year-old moving to the LaLiga club next season.

With the Rossoneri said to be seeking a fee of around 20m euros for Kalinic, it is thought that the Andalusians could well seek an initial loan deal.