Fakayejo Paul
AC Milan have confirmed that veteran midfielder Luka Modrić will undergo surgery today, Monday, April 27, 2026, after sustaining a fracture to his left cheekbone during Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Juventus.
The Incident
The injury occurred in the 80th minute of the match at the San Siro following a heavy accidental clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
Although the 40-year-old was able to remain on the bench until the final whistle, medical examinations conducted on Monday morning confirmed the severity of the injury, requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Season Outlook and World Cup Hopes
- Club Future: With Milan having only four matches remaining in their Serie A campaign, it is highly doubtful that Modrić will feature again for the Rossoneri this season.
- The World Cup: Despite the setback, there is cautious optimism regarding his participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is set to begin on June 11.
- Recovery Plan: Should his recovery proceed as anticipated, Modrić is expected to be fit in time for Croatia’s group stage matches—where they are set to face England, Ghana, and Panama—though he will likely need to wear a protective face mask during play.
As the AC Milan captain prepares for his operation, the focus from both the club and the Croatian national team remains on a successful surgery and a steady rehabilitation process leading into the summer tournament.