Dalić Announces Squad for September Matches Without Sučić or Vušković

Zlatko Dalić has released Croatia’s squad list for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Montenegro. The biggest news is the absence of Luka Sučić, a regular in recent call-ups, who has been dropped at least temporarily after leaving the national team camp in June to attend his sister’s wedding.

Player list:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Fenerbahçe), Ivica Ivušić (Hajduk), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen)
Defenders: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), Josip Juranović (Union Berlin), Duje Ćaleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Šutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanišić (Bayern), Marin Pongračić (Fiorentina), Martin Erlić (Midtjylland)
Midfielders: Luka Modrić (Milan), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Lovro Majer (Wolfsburg), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakić (Augsburg), Petar Sučić (Inter), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka)
Forwards: Ivan Perišić (PSV), Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pašalić (Orlando City), Franjo Ivanović (Benfica)

Reserves: Bruno Petković (Kocaelispor), Mislav Oršić (Pafos), Borna Sosa (Crystal Palace), Karlo Letica (Lausanne-Sport)

Sučić isn’t the only one missing. Luka Vušković, who had been called up in June, will instead play with the U-21s this cycle. Martin Erlić returns in his place. Mateo Kovačić is still sidelined as he recovers from surgery. After nearly a year, Bruno Petković is back on the extended list with a reserve call-up.

“It’s logical that we’ve stayed loyal to the players who did an excellent job in June, both in preparation and in the matches against Gibraltar and especially the Czech Republic. It’s unfortunate that Mateo Kovačić is still unavailable, but what matters most is that he comes back fully healthy,” Dalić explained.

On Vušković, he added: “In agreement with the player and U-21 coach Ivica Olić, Luka will join the U-21s this cycle, where he’s a key player and will get valuable minutes, which is what he needs most right now.”

“We can’t afford to get complacent just because we started well,” Dalić warned. “One bad day could jeopardize our ambitions, so I expect the same high level of motivation and determination at this camp. Of course, we accept the role of favorites against the Faroe Islands and Montenegro, but our responsibility is to approach both games with maximum focus so our quality can shine through.”

He also highlighted the progress of several players this summer: “It’s encouraging that some of our guys made big moves to stronger leagues, where they can continue to improve. I hope the same for those still looking for new opportunities before the transfer window closes.”

Dalić closed by stressing the bigger picture: “We’re monitoring a wide pool of candidates, and it’s on each player to earn a spot through their club performances. That motivation is even stronger in a World Cup year. After silver in Russia and bronze in Qatar, we all know what an honor it is to represent Croatia at a World Cup. I’m sure that’s the ultimate goal for every top Croatian player this season.”

Croatia will face the Faroe Islands away on Friday, September 5, and then host Montenegro in Zagreb on Monday, September 8. Croatia started its qualifying campaign in June with wins over Gibraltar (7–0) and the Czech Republic (5–1).