Andrej Kramarić playing time and international status

Andrej Kramarić, the veteran Croatian striker for Hoffenheim, has seen a reduction in his role at the German club. Following groin surgery that caused him to miss the summer preseason, the 35-year-old has transitioned from a regular starter to a potential substitute. Hoffenheim coach Christian Ilzer noted that while Kramarić possesses high quality, playing time must be earned through performance, citing the missed preseason as a handicap to his form.

Subsequently, Kramarić declined a call-up from Croatia national team coach Slaven Bilić for upcoming Nations League matches against England and the Czech Republic. While official reasons were not released, speculation regarding his decision includes a need to focus on physical fitness at his club or a potential knee injury. It remains unclear if this absence signifies a temporary break or the conclusion of his international career.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilić has since clarified that Kramarić is experiencing “patellar issues,” which require several days of recovery after matches to allow for normal training. Despite these health concerns, Kramarić recently played the full 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in a Bundesliga match against Schalke 04.