Mario Mandzukic has been ruled out of Croatia's Euro 2016 qualifying fixtures with Bulgaria and Malta due to a hamstring injury.
Ante Cacic's men sit four behind leaders Italy and two back from second-placed Norway in third position in Group H. They will be looking for six points from their final two matches in order to avoid a potential play-off tie.
"Unfortunately, he has picked up a hamstring injury. Today [Wednesday], we have reviewed it and conducted an ultrasound and according to the finding he will not be able to play in these two games," explained national team doctor Boris Nemec in a statement on the official HNS website.
"I think he needs another two weeks to begin full training, with a high percentage of certainty that there will not be a relapse.
"Of course, he was not happy with such news, but his health has to come first."
