Duje Caleta-Car
SAS
Transferred to Sassuolo
Caleta-Car has signed a contract with Sassuolo after terminating his contract with Lyon, according to the club.
Analysis: Caleta-Car made 130 appearances for Marseille between 2018 and 2022, contributing five goals and three assists, and later added 57 appearances for Lyon before spending last season on loan at Real Sociedad, where he won the Copa del Rey, beating Atletico Madrid in the final and bringing his career trophy count to eight. The 29 year old Croatian center back also spent time at Southampton and won four straight Austrian titles with Red Bull Salzburg earlier in his career, and has earned 38 caps for Croatia, including at this summer's World Cup, along with 57 appearances across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
Trains in full Saturday
Caleta-Car (back) returned to full training on Saturday, confirming his recovery from the back issue that had kept him out of Croatia's pre-tournament friendlies, according to The Croatian.
Analysis: Caleta-Car had been managing the back problem throughout the preparation period but his return to collective sessions is a timely boost for coach Zlatko Dalic heading into the tournament. The Lyon center-back, who contributed one goal, 24 tackles, 28 interceptions and 129 clearances across 27 La Liga appearances for Real Sociedad on loan, is expected to be now fully available for Croatia's World Cup campaign.
Back issue improving
Caleta-Car (back) has been managing a back injury that has kept him out of Croatia's pre-tournament friendlies, but expressed optimism about his recovery ahead of the World Cup, according to The Croatian. "It's better, especially today. It's improving day by day. The plan is to fully recover from it once we arrive in the United States."
Analysis: Caleta-Car ended his loan spell with Real Sociedad, contributing one goal, 24 tackles, 28 interceptions and 129 clearances across 27 La Liga appearances, and will now focus entirely on being fully fit for Croatia's World Cup campaign. The coaching staff will monitor his condition closely over the coming days before making any decisions on his availability for the tournament opener.
Returns to Lyon after loan spell
Caleta-Car will return to parent club Lyon after his loan spell at Real Sociedad, the club announced.
Analysis: Caleta-Car contributed one goal, 24 tackles, 28 interceptions and 129 clearances across 27 La Liga appearances (24 starts) during his time with Real Sociedad, having been a reliable and consistent defensive presence throughout the campaign. Real Sociedad expressed their gratitude for his commitment to the club and wished him well for the next chapter of his career as he heads back to France.
Available after ban
Caleta-Car is an option again following the suspension he served Sunday against Valencia.
Analysis: Caleta-Car will have a decent chance of bouncing back to a starting position in the final game of the season, challenging Igor Zubeldia and Jon Martin at center-back. The experienced defender has racked up a variety of stats throughout the campaign, having posted multiple clearances and blocks in each of his last three matches played.
Set for suspension
Caleta-Car picked up his fifth yellow card of the season midweek against Girona, and will now serve a one-match suspension for Real Sociedad's upcoming fixture against Valencia.
Analysis: The Croatian centre-back has been a consistent and commanding presence at the heart of the defense, and Aritz Elustondo is poised to fill the void, in what will be a farewell appearance for the long-serving defender at the Reale Arena. Caleta-Car will then return to the starting lineup for the club's season finale against Espanyol.
Not suspended anymore
The Disciplinary Committee has rescinded Caleta-Car's yellow card against Getafe, so he'll be available to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, the club announced Friday.
Analysis: Caleta-Car has been a regular starter at center-back all season long for Real Sociedad, so this is a huge boost for the team. Expect the Croatian defender to keep his place in the starting lineup as long as he stays with four yellow cards to his name.
Won't play vs. Rayo Vallecano
Caleta-Car will be suspended for Sunday's game against Rayo Vallecano after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Getafe.
Analysis: The Croatian center-back has been a regular at the back for the Donostiarra outfit, starting in seven of the team's last eight games while racking up one goal, seven tackles, 11 interceptions and 48 clearances in that stretch. The absence of Caleta-Car means Artiz Elustondo should start next to Jon Martin at center-back.
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