Croatia’s national team manager, Zlatko Dalic, has expressed strong optimism that his captain, Luka Modric, will be fully recovered in time to lead the squad at this summer’s World Cup. The legendary midfielder, currently playing for AC Milan, recently underwent surgery to repair a broken cheekbone following a heavy collision during a Serie A clash.
The injury occurred during a tense goalless draw between AC Milan and Juventus on Sunday, where the 40-year-old clashed heads with Manuel Locatelli. Medical reports shared by Zoyols News confirm that Modric suffered a complex fracture of the left zygomatic bone. Fortunately, the subsequent surgery was described as a complete success, providing a glimmer of hope for fans back home in Croatia.
While his club side has not put a specific timeline on his return, they did send their best wishes for a swift recovery ahead of the global tournament. The timing is tight, as the World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, with Croatia scheduled for a massive opening match against England just six days later.
Zlatko Dalic revealed that he has been in close contact with his captain since the incident. The coach is convinced that Modric’s legendary discipline and determination will see him through the rehabilitation process. Dalic emphasized that the entire national team staff is prepared to offer whatever support is necessary to ensure their leader is ready for another major international appearance.
The injury does mean that Modric will likely miss the remainder of the domestic season in Italy. This comes at a critical time for AC Milan as they battle to secure a Champions League spot. With only four games left, the San Siro outfit sits in third place with 67 points, closely trailed by Juventus, Como, and Roma in a tight race for the top four.
For the Croatian faithful, the sight of Modric lifting himself up after such a setback is familiar territory. As the veteran midfielder begins his recovery, the focus remains squarely on June 17, when he hopes to pull on the captain’s armband once more for his country.
