Despite Benfica v Porto assist, Ivanovic on Croatia standby list | OneFootball

Franjo Ivanovic has been named on Croatia’s standby list despite assisting Leandro Barreiro’s equaliser in Benfica v Porto.

According to Glorioso 1904, he was omitted from the 26-man main squad, with nine back-ups who could be drafted before the 23 March training camp.

Croatia play on 26 March and 31 March. The main list does not include a natural left-back, with Domagoj Bradaric only on standby and Borna Sosa not included. Dalic has used Josip Stanisic and Gvardiol in the role, the latter recovering from a serious injury but expected for the World Cup.

The forward is in a period of reduced minutes at Benfica.

This season Ivanovic, valued at 20 million euros, has made 34 competitive appearances for Benfica, 17 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 11 in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal and two in the Taça da Liga. Across 1,152 minutes, he has five goals and two assists.

He may be loaned in 2026/27, with the club studying a move to another side to build rhythm, confidence and playing time after a significant investment without a regular starting spot.

Source: Glorioso 1904