The Croatian Football Federation had already confirmed that Kramarić would miss the matches against England at Wembley and Czechia in Osijek because of health problems. Bilić subsequently explained that the Hoffenheim attacker had contacted him after a club match to discuss persistent discomfort around his kneecap, which had been affecting his ability to train normally between appearances.
The coach also addressed Kramarić's limited involvement during Croatia's previous international gathering, when the experienced forward did not play a single minute. Although the situation had raised questions about the player's standing within the national team, Bilić rejected suggestions of a breakdown in their relationship and stressed that Kramarić remained an important part of his plans.
The press conference also brought important selection news. Bilić reduced his preliminary list of 32 players to a final squad of 25, with injuries forcing several changes and two promising Hajduk footballers receiving their first senior opportunities.
Bilić Clarifies Kramarić Situation After Speculation
Kramarić's omission became one of the most discussed stories surrounding the Croatian national team after reports suggested that the veteran forward was unhappy with his lack of playing time during the previous Nations League fixtures. The 36-year-old had returned from surgery earlier in the year but remained on the bench throughout Croatia's four-match international window.
Initial reports raised the possibility that Kramarić had decided against joining the squad because of frustration over his international role. However, the Croatian Football Federation issued an official statement explaining that the forward was experiencing physical problems and that both parties had agreed he should remain with Hoffenheim to recover.
Bilić expanded on that explanation during his press conference, revealing that he had watched Kramarić's recent club performance against Crystal Palace before receiving a message from the player requesting a conversation. The two discussed his recent matches, fitness and difficulties recovering between games.
According to Bilić, Kramarić explained that discomfort around his patella was preventing him from training normally for two or three days after certain matches. Although the attacker had returned to competitive action, the continued physical problems made another demanding international period an unnecessary risk.
The coach therefore agreed that Kramarić should skip the November gathering and focus on recovery, with the possibility of returning for Croatia's next international commitments in March.
Bilić also addressed the decision not to use Kramarić during the previous Nations League matches. He explained that the attacker had been considered for an appearance against Czechia, but Croatia scored while the substitution was being prepared, changing the tactical circumstances. Nikola Vlašić subsequently entered instead.
The coach acknowledged that Kramarić may have been disappointed by the situation but emphasised that the forward had behaved professionally throughout. He also pointed out that Kramarić had been among the first players he contacted after returning to the national team position, demonstrating the importance he places on the experienced attacker.
The explanation is intended to end speculation about a possible conflict, although Kramarić's eventual return will depend on his recovery and subsequent club performances. For Croatia, his absence removes an experienced attacking option ahead of two important matches, but Bilić has made clear that the player has not been excluded from his longer-term plans.
Livaković Receives Warning Over Barcelona Playing Time
Another major topic was the situation of goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, who remains part of Croatia's final squad despite struggling for competitive minutes at Barcelona.
The experienced goalkeeper has long been an important figure for the national team, but his current club situation has created uncertainty about his future role. Bilić acknowledged Livaković's quality while emphasising that regular competitive football remains essential for players hoping to retain their international positions.
The coach suggested that training with an elite club cannot fully compensate for the experience gained through matches. Although Livaković continues to be considered for selection, prolonged inactivity could eventually affect his standing within the national team.
Bilić stopped short of announcing a change in Croatia's goalkeeping hierarchy, instead explaining that the situation would need to be monitored over time. His comments underline the competition within the squad, with Dominik Kotarski and Ivor Pandur also selected for the November fixtures.
For Livaković, the message is significant. His international experience and previous performances remain important assets, but Bilić's approach suggests that reputation alone will not guarantee a permanent place in the team.
The coach has repeatedly emphasised that selection depends on current form, physical readiness and performances in training. His remarks about Livaković demonstrate that those expectations apply to established internationals as well as younger players hoping to earn their first opportunities.
Hajduk Youngsters Earn First Senior Call-Ups
One of the most encouraging developments in the final squad is the inclusion of Hajduk Split players Šimun Hrgović and Marin Šotiček. Both youngsters have impressed at club level and earned their first appearances on Croatia's senior national team list, reflecting Bilić's willingness to reward domestic performances.
Hrgović offers an additional option on the left side of defence, a position where Croatia have often relied on players operating outside their preferred roles. His mobility and ability to contribute in attacking situations provide qualities that could become valuable as the national team continues developing its defensive structure.
Šotiček, meanwhile, offers a different attacking profile. Bilić highlighted the forward's willingness to attack space behind defenders, explaining that Croatia possess several players capable of operating in wide positions but fewer with Šotiček's direct movement and attacking instincts.
Their inclusion also reflects the competition for places throughout the squad. Bilić has repeatedly stressed that selections are based on current performances rather than reputation, with the two Hajduk players earning recognition through their form in the Croatian league.
The decision provides an encouraging message for younger players competing domestically. Although many Croatian internationals represent clubs in Europe's strongest leagues, strong performances in the SuperSport HNL can still create opportunities at senior international level.
For Hrgović and Šotiček, the upcoming training camp will provide valuable experience alongside established internationals such as Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol. Whether either player makes his senior debut against England or Czechia remains to be seen, but their inclusion represents an important step in their development.
Injuries Force Further Changes to Croatia's Squad
Kramarić is not the only established player unavailable for Croatia's final two Nations League fixtures. Defender Marin Pongračić has been ruled out with a right hamstring injury, while forward Franjo Ivanović is recovering from a mild concussion.
Both players had been included on the preliminary list, but their medical situations prevented them from being considered for the final selection. Their absence reduces Bilić's options, particularly in attack, where Kramarić and Ivanović would normally provide additional experience and competition.
Other players omitted when the squad was reduced from 32 to 25 include Karlo Letica, Lovro Majer, Toni Fruk and Petar Musa. Their omission does not necessarily indicate that they have fallen out of consideration for future international matches.
Bilić also discussed Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luka Stojković, whose impressive recent performances have attracted growing attention. After scoring twice against Rijeka and delivering a goal and assist in Dinamo's Europa League victory over Sunderland, Stojković has strengthened his case for a senior international call-up.
The Croatia coach confirmed that he had followed those performances closely and praised Stojković's attacking ability, particularly his shooting and creativity from an advanced midfield position. However, Bilić explained that competition remains particularly strong in that area of the team, meaning the Dinamo midfielder must continue producing consistent performances.
Darko Nejašmić is another player being monitored. Bilić praised the midfielder's ability to read the game and distribute possession, while noting that his characteristics differ from those of several players already selected.
Modrić Leads Croatia Into Decisive Nations League Matches
Despite the squad changes, Croatia will continue relying on an experienced group led by captain Luka Modrić. The midfield includes Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić and Luka Sučić, giving Bilić several options for controlling possession and creating opportunities.
The coach was particularly complimentary about Luka Sučić, whose performances for Real Sociedad have impressed him. Bilić believes the young midfielder has exceptional attacking qualities and can become an increasingly important member of the national team, although he wants to see greater consistency and involvement throughout matches.
Defensively, Bilić highlighted the long-term potential of Joško Gvardiol and Luka Vušković as a central partnership. However, Gvardiol's ability to operate at left-back means the coach must balance the defender's individual strengths against the needs of the team.
Josip Šutalo, Duje Ćaleta-Car and Josip Stanišić provide further experience, while Hrgović's arrival introduces another possibility on the left side.
Croatia's immediate challenge is considerable. Spain lead Nations League Group A3 with 12 points, followed by England on nine, Croatia on three and Czechia without a point after four matches.
The trip to Wembley will be particularly demanding following Croatia's 7–0 defeat against England in the previous meeting. Bilić recognises the quality of the opposition but remains convinced his team can compete with leading European nations when performing at their best.
Rather than viewing the remaining fixtures as routine obligations, he considers them an opportunity to demonstrate progress and strengthen Croatia's position ahead of future international competitions.
Bilić Believes Croatia Can Still Beat Europe's Best
The Croatian coach concluded his press conference with a confident message about the team's potential. Despite disappointing results against England and Spain earlier in the campaign, he believes Croatia possess enough individual quality and international experience to challenge the strongest opponents.
Bilić acknowledged that repeatedly facing elite teams within a short period is demanding, particularly when players arrive from intense club schedules with limited time to recover and prepare. Nevertheless, he believes Croatia have demonstrated over many years that they are capable of competing successfully at major international tournaments.
The upcoming encounter at Wembley therefore represents more than an opportunity to collect Nations League points. It will also test the team's defensive organisation, tactical flexibility and ability to respond to the setbacks experienced earlier in the competition.
The final match against Czechia in Osijek offers another opportunity to finish the group stage positively. Having already defeated the Czechs away from home, Croatia will hope to repeat that result in front of their supporters and secure a stronger final position in the group.
For Bilić, the November international window also provides an opportunity to assess younger players, refine his preferred tactical structure and determine which members of the squad can become important contributors in future campaigns.
Croatia's Final 25-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur
Defenders: Joško Gvardiol, Josip Šutalo, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Stanišić, Luka Vušković, Ivan Smolčić, Šimun Hrgović
Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić, Luka Sučić, Kristijan Jakić, Josip Mišić
Forwards: Ivan Perišić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Igor Matanović, Dion Drena Beljo, Marin Šotiček
Croatia enter their final Nations League fixtures with several important selection questions resolved but significant challenges still ahead. Kramarić's absence has been officially attributed to injury, Livaković has been reminded of the importance of regular playing time, and two promising Hajduk players have earned their first senior opportunities. With England and Czechia awaiting, Bilić must now turn those decisions into competitive performances and demonstrate that Croatia remain capable of challenging Europe's strongest national teams.
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