Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has withdrawn from Croatias squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers against Slovakia and Azerbaijan after picking up an injury at the weekend.
The 25-year-old, who was the only signing Chelsea were allowed to make this summer due to their transfer ban, has quickly established himself under new boss Frank Lampard.
He has started all but one of Chelseas five matches in all competitions this season, though was subbed off after 84 minutes of the 2-2 draw against Sheffield United on Saturday.
Although it is hoped Kovacic has not suffered anything serious, the injury is significant enough that he will be unable to play any part in Croatias upcoming matches during the international break.
According to the Daily Mail, Kovacic inflamed an Achilles tendon in his right leg during the match against Sheffield United, with Croatia calling up Mijo Caktas instead.
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Chelsea have a history with Achilles injuries, with both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi missing the start of the new season after rupturing the tendon.
Both players were sidelined for months, though Kovacics injury is not as severe and can usually be fully healed within a few weeks.
