Croatia’s hopes for the upcoming World Cup hinge on the recovery of veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who is set to undergo surgery on a fractured left cheekbone.
The injury occurred during a head collision with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in Sunday’s goalless draw against AC Milan at the San Siro, forcing Modric to leave the pitch with just 10 minutes remaining.
Though the 40-year-old appeared to be in discomfort, he chose to stay on the bench until the final whistle without receiving immediate medical assistance. An evaluation confirmed he would require surgery later on Monday.
As AC Milan currently sits third in Serie A, trailing leaders Inter Milan by 12 points with only four matches left, Modric’s participation in these crucial fixtures is now uncertain. If he manages to recover in time for the World Cup, he may need to wear a protective mask.
The tournament will kick off on June 11, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with Croatia set to face England, Ghana, and Panama in Group L.
