Key Takeaways
- Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery to repair a complex fracture of his left cheekbone following a clash with Manuel Locatelli.
- Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic believes the 40-year-old midfielder will recover fully before the World Cup kicks off on 11 June.
- The AC Milan captain is expected to miss the final four matches of the Serie A season but should return for the tournament opener against England.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic remains optimistic that captain Luka Modric will recover from recent facial surgery and lead his country at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. The midfielder underwent an operation after fracturing his cheekbone during a Serie A fixture.
The 40-year-old sustained the injury following a head-on collision with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli. The incident occurred during Sunday’s goalless draw between AC Milan and the Turin side.
Medical staff at the San Siro club confirmed that Modric suffered a complex, multi-fragment fracture to his left zygomatic bone. Surgeons have described the procedure as completely successful. Although the club did not provide a specific return date, they expressed hope for a swift recovery ahead of the global tournament.
The World Cup kicks off on 11 June. Croatia begin their campaign against England on 17 June. Dalic has been in regular contact with his captain since the operation.
“I spoke with Luka and wished him well for the surgery,” Dalic stated. “I am sure he will work hard to regain fitness for the World Cup. We will give him every support he needs.”
The coach added: “I believe the recovery will follow the planned schedule. Luka will serve as our captain at this major summer competition.”
Modric is likely to miss AC Milan’s final four league matches. The club is currently battling to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. They occupy third position with 67 points, sitting three points ahead of fourth-placed Juventus. Como and Roma are also in contention with 61 points each.