Knezevic setback for Croatia

Defender ruled out of rest of Euro 2008 with knee injury

Last updated: 17th June 2008

dario knezevic poland v croatia

Knezevic: Huge blow for Croatia

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Dario Knezevic will sit out the rest of Croatia's Euro 2008 challenge after suffering a knee injury.

The defender strained knee ligaments during Croatia's 1-0 win over Poland in their final Group B match on Monday night.

Knezevic, who had come on as a substitute in the previous two games, was given a start after Slaven Bilic freshened up his side.

However, the Livorno stopper lasted just 27 minutes against Poland before being replaced by Vedran Corluka.

Huge blow

Bilic told a news conference: "His injury is not serious in the long term, but he is out of the European Championship with strained knee ligaments.

"It's a huge blow for us because he is a strong centre-back."

Darijo Srna and Ivan Rakitic are also carrying knocks for Croatia and sat out Tuesday's training session.

Both players, though, are expected to be available for Croatia's quarter-final tie with Turkey in Vienna on Friday.