Luka Modric’s season with AC Milan has come to an abrupt end following a facial fracture sustained during Sunday’s Serie A match against Juventus, but the Croatian captain remains determined to recover in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The 40-year-old midfielder suffered a “complex, multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone” after a collision with Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli in the 80th minute of the goalless draw. Modric was immediately forced off the pitch, and subsequent tests confirmed the severity of his injury. AC Milan announced that the veteran has already undergone “completely successful” surgery.
Modric is expected to be sidelined until late May, ruling him out of Milan’s remaining four league matches. The setback is significant for the club, who currently sit third in Serie A with 67 points, just three ahead of Juventus. Milan will need at least seven points from their final fixtures to secure Champions League qualification.
Despite the injury, Modric is focused on regaining fitness for Croatia’s World Cup campaign, which begins against England on June 17, with group matches against Panama and Ghana to follow. However, his participation in pre-tournament friendlies against Belgium and Slovenia in early June remains uncertain.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic expressed optimism about Modric’s recovery, stating, “I’ve been talking to Luka, and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery. I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and we’ll provide full support. I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer.”
As Modric begins his rehabilitation, both club and country will be hoping for his swift return to action and leadership on the international stage.
