SempreMilan reported Sunday that Ivan Perišić suffered a right calf injury in the 2nd half of Inter Milan’s season finale versus Sampdoria.
The injury has officially ruled Perišić out of all four UEFA Nations League matches next month versus France (x2), Denmark, and Austria. Although this seems like a huge setback for Dalić and the Vatreni, it’s not.
Croatia does not need Perišić for Nations League matches in June. They need him for World Cup games in November. Perišić – no matter the severity of this injury – is also watching his own back. He is currently out of contract with Inter Milan and will be picked up by a new club this summer on a free transfer. Chelsea and Tottenham are currently wooing Perišić to come to England. Even if healthy, Perišić would have the most to lose in June if he picks up an injury in these four matches not currently attached to a club.
In his absence on the left wing, Dalić can use Majer, Oršić, or even experiment with the young Luka Sučić. Plenty of options will be available for quasi-friendly Nations League matches before the summer break. We should see some fun combination of players on the left wing; but especially in attack and at the goalkeeper position.
As far as I’m concerned, the Croatian #1 in goal is up for grabs. If Livaković earns the spot over the next five months, so be it. But I’m rooting against him as he has lost all confidence in my opinion. Andrej Kramarić also needs to be pressured going into the World Cup. If Budimir, Musa, Livaja can have big games in June, that may flip a switch in Kramarić’s head that his starting role with the Vatreni is not a lock.
I think dalicic will play 3 5 2 Livakovic gvardiol cc erlic/vida/sutalo juranovic sosa kovacic modric broz kramaric budimir. Since perisic is missing vs france.
Yeah Perisic can take it easy, we have plenty of options for that LW spot. We need him healthy for the World Cup. This will give him a chance to take some time off and rest up.
We got Brekalo and Orisic who are good options for LW. On the RW, Lovro Majer should be our starter.
there is no way that Livakovic can play in net at World Cup- we have to figure out an alternative- we will even lose to Canada if he’s in net
This looks like a good documentary about the 1990’s Vatreni generation, and the birth of an independent Hrvatska:
‘Croatia: Defining A Nation’ feature-length documentary to premiere on FIFA+ from 30 May:
https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatia-defining-a-nation-feature-length-documentary-to-premiere-on-fifa-from-30-may/
For those in Canada, FYI Nations League now on DAZN. Cro game next Friday already listed.
I agree, Perisic should take it easy. Although I am really routing for him to score more goals internationally than Sucker, so I am not sure if this set back is something that I prefer. I really want him to take that mantle. He is 1 goal shy of tying with Mandzukic.
Suker…stupid autocorrect!!! Lol