More bad news for the Croatian defense…
The first minutes of last night's match between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla were not in favor of Croatian footballer Šime Vrsaljko, reports Index.hr on March 19, 2017.
Šime Vrsaljko, the right defender for the Croatian national team and Atletico Madrid, felt pain in the first attack of the game against Sevilla without having contact with the rival. Vrsaljko sat down on the pitch and after half a minute managed to pick himself up and leave the pitch limping. He was replaced by Juanfran.
Atletico quickly reported that Vrsaljko “sprained his left knee” and that more details would emerge after reviewing the new diagnosis. It was clear that no matter the diagnosis, Vrsaljko would likely miss the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
The evening, unfortunately, brought new information, and Atletico's new medical report confirmed that Vrsaljko’s injury was more serious. According to the report, the MRI clinic FREMAP Majadahonda showed that Vrsaljko “has an injury that affects the cruciate ligament of the left knee," noting that after a couple of hours he will undergo new tests.
The last update from HNS was on March 19, 2017. Their injury report reads:
“Due to a knee injury, the right guard for the Croatian national team and Atletico Madrid, Šime Vrsaljko, will not compete in the qualifying match with Ukraine.
After the injury of Vedran Ćorluka, coach Ante Čačić has lost another defensive player for the match against Ukraine. Šime Vrsaljko left the meeting between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla in the second minute due to a knee injury.
Zbog ozljede koljena, Šime Vrsaljko neće konkurirati za utakmicu protiv Ukrajine. Šime, želimo ti uspješan oporavak!
— HNS | CFF (@HNS_CFF) March 19, 2017
Over the next few days, there will be made time for the medical services of both Atletico Madrid and the Croatian national team who will be able to set an accurate diagnosis and determine the severity of the injury.”
Šime Vrsaljko has played from start to finish in all four previous matches for the World Cup qualifications.
