Rakitic confirms he withdraws from Croatia squad due to Achilles tendon injury

Ivan Rakitic has withdrawn from the Croatia squad due to injury and will not compete in his country's upcoming international matches.

The Barcelona midfielder was called up for the games against Slovakia and Georgia but an Achilles tendon injury have ruled him out.

According to Novi list, the 31-year-old suffered the problem during Barcelona's last training session.

"I am sorry that I will not be able to help the team, but I am convinced that my teammates will succeed without me," he said.

"They beat Slovakia in the first game without me, and I think they will do so the same again in Rijeka.

"I will be supporting them with all my heart," he stated.

Yet rather than head back to Barcelona immediately, Rakitic will remain in Croatia to be further assessed by the national team medics.