Croatia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 have been dealt a blow with midfielder Nikola Vlasic ruled out of the tournament with a muscle injury.

The former Everton and West Ham midfielder, who plays for Italian side Torino and has been capped 56 times by his country, was hurt during training.

The 26-year-old said that, following a scan, he will now be heading home.

“I’m extremely sorry that this new injury will prevent me from helping the team,” Vlasic said.

“I’ve done everything possible to be ready, and I’d like to thank the head coach and the coaching staff for the opportunity. I believe in this team and I’m sure they will succeed – I’ll be their biggest fan!”.

Croatia lost 3-0 to Spain in their opening game in Group B and next face Albania on Wednesday at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion knowing they will likely need a win, with Italy to come in their final group fixture.

Zlatko Dalic’s side reached the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-finals in Qatar two years ago.

Croatia have previously recovered from slow starts, progressing from the group stage at Euro 2020 despite an opening loss to England, and at the last World Cup they reached the last four after losing to Morocco in their first game.

“There is no room for pessimism, everything is still in our hands,” Dalic said.

“Of course, we have to be better. It’s my job to turn the team around.”