Croatia boss Ante Cacic has played down suggestions that Luka Modric suffered a potentially long-term injury in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria.

The Real Madrid midfielder had to be replaced during the Group H clash and it had been feared that the 30-year-old was facing an extended period on the sidelines.

Cacic, however, has said that the decision to withdraw the experienced midfielder was purely precautionary.

"Luka felt pain in his groin and we didn't want to take any chances. That's the reason why I substituted him," Marca quotes Cacic as saying.

Real Madrid are currently without the services of Karim Benzema, Danilo, Pepe, James Rodriguez, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal.