Luka Modric ruled out with broken cheekbone: World Cup injury status?
An aerial challenge with AC Milan left Modric with a fractured left cheekbone and he will undergo surgery.
AC Milan star Luka Modric suffered a broken cheekbone during a challenge with Manuel Locatelli in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Juventus. The Italian club has confirmed that Modric will undergo surgery on Monday but did not give a timeframe for his return.
Given that there are only four games remaining in Serie A, ESPN reports that Modric will not feature again for Milan this season. However he is still in contention to recover in time to play for Croatia at this summer’s World Cup.
Now 40, Modric has been one of the top midfielders in Italy this year and he remains a key piece of the Croatian national team. He has started in 32 of Milan’s 34 league games so far this season, an incredible record for a player of his age.
Will Modric play at the World Cup?
Modric will be desperate to make a recovery in time to feature at a fifth World Cup with Croatia. He led the team to the final in 2018, the year in which he was awarded the Ballon d’Or. Having made it to the semi-final stage in 2022, Modric will be targeting one more shot at an incredible World Cup triumph with the national team.
Reports in Italy suggest that Modric will need 5-6 weeks for his cheekbone to fully recover, although that is only an estimate. There is the possibility of using some form of face mask to protect the area if he is not cleared in time.
Modric’s contract with AC Milan is due to expire at the end of the current season. The 40-year-old wants to ensure that the Milan squad is able to compete for honors in 2026/27 before committing another year to the team, with Champions League qualification believed to be a key priority for the Croatian.
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