Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic and transfer target know fate after Croatia release preliminary World Cup squad

Croatia name Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic and transfer target Josko Gvardiol in preliminary World Cup squad

According to the Athletic (subscription required), Croatia have named their preliminary squad for the World Cup, with Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic and transfer target Josko Gvardiol included.

Croatian head coach Zlatko Dalic named a 34-man squad, which will be trimmed down to 26 on November 9, 10 days before the start of the tournament.

Kovacic is one of the experienced players in the squad, having made a total of 83 international appearances. He would fly to Qatar unless any unfortunate injury in the coming Chelsea games forces him back.

The 28-year-old, who made his national team debut 10 years ago, made five appearances in the previous World Cup in Russia. Croatia went all the way to the finals in that tournament, losing to France.

The midfielder played all four games in the nation’s short Euro 2021 stint, in which they were knocked out by Spain in the last 16-stage. He, alongside Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic, form a competent and commanding midfield three for Dalic’s team.

Kovacic has been one of the best players in the Chelsea squad for the past two years. His importance in the team has grown irrespective of the change in manager. Expect nothing but a good performance from him in Qatar as well.

Gvardiol, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea since the summer transfer window, is selected for his second international tournament after making his national team debut a week before last year’s Euros. He then played every game in that tournament.

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The 20-year-old has been one of the best young centre-backs in Europe in the last 18 months. If he goes to Qatar and does well for Croatia, there may be more clubs vying for his signature in January or next summer.