Luka Modrić underwent successful surgery on Monday for a complex, multi-fragment fracture of his left cheekbone, an injury sustained during Sunday’s 0-0 Serie A draw against Juventus at San Siro. This has raised concerns over his fitness and whether the player will return this season for the Italian side just ahead of the World Cup 2026.
Luka Modric out for entire season for AC Milan; hopeful for World Cup 2026
The 40-year-old Croatian veteran will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 domestic season but is expected to recover in time for Croatia’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident occurred in the 80th minute when Modric challenged for a header with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli. He left the pitch in visible discomfort but remained on the bench until full time and was even named man of the match by the club.
Diagnostic tests on Monday confirmed the fracture to the left zygomatic bone, prompting immediate surgical intervention at Milan’s La Madonnina Clinic. Milan’s medical team described the operation, performed by Dr. Luca Autelitano, as “completely successful.”
With only four Serie A matches remaining, the recovery timeline is typically estimated at six to eight weeks for this type of injury, which rules Modrić out of club duties for the rest of the campaign.
The veteran, who joined Milan on a free transfer from Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 on a deal until June 2026, has prioritized full fitness for international duty. Meanwhile, Croatia opens its World Cup group stage against England on June 17 in Dallas, followed by matches against Panama and Ghana, giving the 40-year-old roughly seven weeks to prepare.
ALSO READ: Manchester United is almost back in UEFA Champions League; Here’s what is needed