Zagreb, Nov 5 (IANS): Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who underwent surgery on his left knee last October 2, has been called up by Croatia for the football matches against Iceland and Northern Ireland on November 12 and 15, respectively.

Croatia coach Ante Cacic on Friday announced the call of Modric after his recovery from the surgery. In addition to Modric, Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic were also summoned, reports Efe.

Modric, 31, underwent an operation on the left knee last month following an injury he sustained during a club match against Espanyol on September 18.

Rijeka club's defender Matej Mitrovic replaced Liverpool's Dejan Lovren. Marko Pjaca, who plays for Juventus, also missed out due to injury

The first game against Iceland, which will be played in Zagreb, is part of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, while the game against Northern Ireland is a friendly that will be played in Belfast.