The international manager of Rangers star Borna Barisic has been discussing the player’s back injury ahead of the Croatia national team’s clash with the Czech Republic at Euro 2020.
The Balkans nation goes into the match with the Czechs at Hampden having lost their opener 1-0 to Group D rivals England and have it all to do in order to reach the knockout stages.
But they’ll have to get a result against a stubborn Czech side – who have three points after defeating Scotland 2-0 – without their number one left-back.
Borna is yet to appear at the tournament and the nation left the full-back behind in Croatia as they headed to Glasgow for the match.
Dalic has opened up on the player’s absence and claims Croatia “need him” heading into the final group game with Scotland.
“Yes, Borna is unfortunately out of the team because he is injured and that is a really great pity for the Croatian team,” said Dalic [Glasgow Times].
“He has had a very great season with Rangers. He was in great condition but since he came to train and prepare himself, he managed to injure himself and unfortunately he has not been able to get back in the greatest form.
“That is why we have left him home so that he can work on trying to prepare as well as possible for the next game.
“We expect him. We need him. But, at this moment, we have to play without him and we are very sorry for that.
“He has had a very good season, he has had a very good performance and that is a great thing for us.
“We have to give this position to another player. If one player is not 100 per cent ready then we cannot use them and we cannot put them in.”
Rangers star Barisic made 50 appearances for the Ibrox club last season, scoring five goals and laying on 14 assists.
The player’s form has had the likes of Wolves, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Arsenal all linked in recent weeks.
Whilst his absence from the squad might be a blow for Croatia, could his lack of gametime at Euro 2020 ward clubs off a move?
