Luka Modrić is set to undergo surgery after suffering a fractured left cheekbone during AC Milan’s goalless draw against Juventus. However, the Croatian veteran is still expected to be fit in time for this summer’s World Cup.
The 40-year-old midfielder picked up the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus player Manuel Locatelli at the San Siro on Sunday. Despite being visibly in pain, Modrić remained on the bench until the end of the match after leaving the field with around ten minutes remaining.
AC Milan later confirmed that medical examinations had revealed a fracture, with surgery scheduled for Monday. The injury now places serious doubt over Modrić’s involvement in Milan’s remaining Serie A fixtures, as the Rossoneri sit third in the table, 12 points behind leaders Inter, with four matches left to play.
🚨⚠️ Luka Modrić has suffered a double fracture of his cheekbone against Juventus yesterday.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 27, 2026
He’s expected to be 100% ready for the World Cup with Croatia. pic.twitter.com/6AV8gj5Jko
For Milan, his absence would be a significant blow in the final weeks of the campaign. Even at 40, Modrić remains one of the most influential midfielders in European football, bringing control, intelligence and experience to a side still fighting to finish the season strongly.
The greater concern, however, is Croatia. Modrić is due to take part in his fifth World Cup, which begins on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Should his recovery progress as expected, he may be cleared to play with a protective mask.
Croatia have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Ghana and Panama, and Modrić’s availability will be central to their hopes of making another deep run on the world stage. For now, the injury is a setback rather than a terminal blow, but the coming weeks will determine how much football he can play before the tournament begins.
