Modric undergoes surgery, targets World Cup return after injury
AC Milan and Croatia captain Luka Modric is set to miss the remainder of the Serie A season after undergoing successful surgery for a complex cheekbone fracture.
However, the veteran midfielder has received a significant boost with expectations that he will recover in time to lead his national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The injury occurred during the second half of Milan’s goalless draw against Juventus at San Siro on Sunday. Modric, 40, sustained a “complex, multi-fragment fracture” to his left cheekbone following an aerial challenge with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
The Croatia international left the pitch in the 80th minute, visibly in discomfort and holding an icepack to his cheek, a clear sign of the severity of the incident.
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Successful surgery paves way for recovery
Milan confirmed on Monday that Modric's surgery was successful, providing a crucial update on his recovery timeline. The club released a statement, quoted by New York Times, wishing their influential midfielder well, specifically mentioning his international commitments.
"The club wishes Luka a speedy recovery ahead of the FIFA World Cup," Milan stated, underscoring the importance of his return for Croatia.
While the surgery was a success, the nature of the injury means Modric will be sidelined for Milan's final four Serie A fixtures. These crucial matches will see the Rossoneri, currently third in the league standings, navigate the closing stages of their campaign without one of their key orchestrators.
The matches Modric is expected to miss include Sassuolo, Atalanta, Genoa and Cagliari
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Despite the setback for his club, the primary focus for Modric now shifts to his rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal of being fully fit for the World Cup. His anticipated return will be a significant boost for Croatia, where he remains a pivotal figure and captain.
Sources: www.nytimes.com
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