Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has dismissed reports of Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric being rested for their World Cup qualifier against Malta on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in each of Croatia's opening two qualifiers this month, so was expected to be spared the meeting with minnows Malta.

"I know Modric has to play in LaLiga this Saturday, but our match against Malta is what concerns me [right now]," Dalic insisted.

"If we need him, Luka will definitely play tomorrow.

"The most important thing for me is the national team."