Kranjcar to miss England match

August 30, 2008

Croatia’s Niko Kranjcar took a hit in their last game against Slovenia and went into surgery for his ankle on Wednesday. He has not been listed for September’s qualifiers and is likely to miss October’s games as well. Slaven Bilic has reported that Kranjcar will be on crutches for at least six weeks and he should be back in full training after about two or three months. Bilic said, “There is no need to say how Kranjcar is important, how much he means for Croatia’s squad. His absence is a big handicap for us.” However, with his absence, it will give others a chance to play and we will see more of those who we did not see as much of in the Euro2008. Bilic has named 22 names for their qualifying campaign; here is the lineup:

Goal: Stipe Pletikosa and Vedran Runje

Defense: Vedran Corluka, Dario Simic, Robert Kovac, Josip Simunic, Danijel Pranjic, Hrvoje Vejic, Dario Knezevic, and Ivica Krizanac

Midfield: Darijo Srna, Niko Kovac, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Jerko Leko, Ognjen Vukojevic, and Nikola Pokrivac

Forward: Mladen Petric, Ivica Olic, Ivan Klasnic, Nikola Kalinic, and Mario Mandzukic

Bilic has also stated to the fans, “not to underestimate Kazakhstan,” and England, this time around, will be looking for a victory after falling twice to Croatia in the Euro qualifying; but whatever the qualifiers bring, this Croatian squad will pull through.

Jill Guthrie

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