Carrasquilla out as Panama face Croatia in must-win Group L clash

Coco Carrasquilla out for Croatia clash

Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla will miss the Group L match against Croatia on Tuesday. A muscle injury. Not fully healed. Thomas Christiansen confirmed it: "He has been receiving treatment with physiotherapists and doctors. There was a recovery process and optimism, but he did not feel completely well and that is why he will not play tomorrow" (1) (3).

A big loss. Carrasquilla is one of the pillars of Panama's midfield. Your team goes into this one without him.

Panama need a result, Croatia bring desperation

Both teams lost their openers. Ghana beat Panama 1–0. England beat Croatia 4–2, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford all on the scoresheet (1) (4). Group L is already tight and neither side can afford another defeat.

Christiansen kept it measured: "It's a shame not to have Coco with us for an important match against Croatia. But we have shown that the group is ready to compete. We know Croatia will come with that hunger to win" (1).

Modric could hit 200 caps against your team

Luka Modric is one cap away from 200 for Croatia. He would reach the milestone on Tuesday, against Panama (1) (5). The midfield battle was going to be the story of the night even before Carrasquilla's injury. Now it tilts heavily toward Modric and Mateo Kovacic.