Ivan Rakitic to miss Croatia’s clash with Slovakia due to achilles injury

Ivan Rakitic has become the latest Barcelona player to pick up an injury problem after revealing he will miss Croatia’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia due to an achilles issue.

The midfielder has only made one start for Barcelona this season but seems to have picked up a problem in training and will miss Saturday’s match in Rijeka.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t wait to play against Slovakia, I’m sorry I won’t be able to help the team, but I’m convinced the guys will succeed without me. After all, they beat Slovakia in the first game without me, I believe that will be the case now in Rijeka. I will be with them with all my heart.”

Source | Novi list

The report in the Croatian newspaper reckons Rakitic will meet up with the team but then fly back to Barcelona for further treatment on the problem.

Croatia’s final Euro 2020 qualifier is against Georgia on November 19, and it’s not clear if Rakitic will be fit in time. His team are currently two points clear of Hungary at the top of Group E.