AC Milan’s Luka Modric Concludes Season Early Due to Facial Injury
Luka Modric’s season with AC Milan has come to a premature end after he sustained a facial fracture during a match against Juventus on Sunday. The Croatian midfielder is now focusing on his recovery in hopes of being fit for the upcoming World Cup.
The incident occurred in the 80th minute of the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw, when Modric collided with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli while vying for a header. The impact resulted in a blow to the left side of Modric’s face, prompting him to leave the pitch.
Following the match, medical tests revealed a “complex, multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone.” The club confirmed that Modric has already undergone “completely successful” surgery.
At 40 years old, Modric will miss the final four fixtures of the AC Milan season, as he is projected to be sidelined until late May. This setback comes at a critical time for the team, which currently sits in third place in the Serie A standings with 67 points, just three points ahead of Juventus. Securing at least seven points in the last four matches would help ensure Milan’s place in the Champions League.
Croatia’s opening match in the World Cup is set against England on June 17. Their other Group L opponents include Panama and Ghana. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if Modric will regain fitness in time for pre-tournament friendlies against Belgium on June 2 and Slovenia on June 7.
Coach Zlatko Dalic expressed his support for Modric following the surgery, 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 @FIFAWorldCup, 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.”