Nikola Kalinic's World Cup appears to be over.

Kalinic has been sent home from the World Cup by Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic after the Fiorentina striker refused to come on as a substitute during the team's 2-0 win on Saturday over Nigeria.

Kalinic refused the assignment because of a back injury, but Dalic was undaunted in his dismissal of the player.

"I need my players fit and ready to play," Dalic said, noting that Kalinic stated his discomfort with the same injury during Croatia's loss in a friendly to Brazil earlier this month.

Mario Mandzukic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Rebic and Marko Pjaca remain available for selection for Dalic.

Formerly of Blackburn Rovers, Kalinic spent last season on loan with Milan, scoring six times in 41 appearances across all competitions.

Croatia currently sits atop of Group D. They next face Argentina on Thursday from Nizhny Novgorod.