Croatian international Andrej Kramarić underwent surgery on his abdominal wall following Croatia's exit from the World Cup, Index.hr reports. Recovery is expected to take around two months, meaning the striker could miss the first campaigns of the national team under new manager Slaven Bilić.
Kramarić had been struggling with the issue for some time and opted for surgery in Slovenia after returning from the tournament. During preparations in Rijeka, he stated the situation was under control, but at the World Cup he played a total of just 70 minutes across four matches, failing to come on as a substitute against Ghana.
Bilić will take charge of the national team for the first time in September, when the Vatreni face a demanding schedule. Croatia travel to Prague to play the Czech Republic on 26 September, followed by a trip to Spain three days later. They host England at Rujevica behind closed doors on 3 October, before facing Spain again at Poljud on 6 October.
Although he had limited minutes at the World Cup, Kramarić remains one of Croatia's most experienced strikers and a key figure in the dressing room for years. If he is not ready, the new manager will have to begin his tenure without one of the most experienced attackers.
