Luka Modric out as Croatia chase direct qualification

Croatia head into tonight’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier in Malta without injured midfielder Luka Modric.

The Real Madrid star hurt his hamstring in Croatia’s 3-0 triumph over Bulgaria on Saturday and will miss the team’s final qualifying game in Ta’ Qali.

The victory in Zagreb assured Croatia of at least a play-off place in Group H but they still have a chance to clinch direct qualification to next year’s tournament in France.