Luka Modric Undergoes Surgery for Facial Fracture, Aiming for World Cup Recovery
Luka Modric suffered a facial fracture during a match against Juventus and has since had successful surgery.
Published On 28 Apr 2026
Luka Modric has successfully undergone surgery after fracturing his left cheekbone, and is on track to recover in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, according to the Croatian Football Federation.
The AC Milan midfielder suffered the injury during a head collision with Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli in a goalless Serie A match at San Siro on Sunday. Modric left the pitch with only ten minutes remaining, visibly in pain but chose to remain on the bench without receiving immediate medical attention.
Tests conducted afterward confirmed the fracture, leading to surgery just hours later. AC Milan described the injury as a “complex, multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone” but reassured that the operation was entirely successful.
While the club has not provided a specific timeline for his recovery, only four matches are left in the Serie A season. Milan expressed their best wishes to Modric for a swift recovery as the World Cup approaches.
The Croatian federation confirmed ongoing communication between their medical staff, Modric, and his club. Croatia’s head coach, Zlatko Dalic, expressed his hopes for Modric’s complete recovery, stating, “I’ve been talking to Luka and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery. I am confident he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and we’ll support him fully.”
With AC Milan sitting in third place in the league standings, 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan, Modric’s participation in the remaining matches appears unlikely. If he recovers in time for the World Cup, he may need to wear a protective mask during play.
As he approaches the end of his contract with Milan—having joined the club on a one-year deal after a decorated tenure at Real Madrid—Modric has the option to extend his time with the team for another year.
The highly anticipated World Cup, cohosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to kick off on June 11. Croatia will begin their campaign on June 17 against England, followed by matches against Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27 in Group L.
- Luka Modric has successfully undergone surgery for a fractured cheekbone.
- The AC Milan midfielder aims to recover in time for the FIFA World Cup.
- The Croatian national team remains in contact with Modric as he recovers.
- The World Cup starts on June 11, with Croatia’s first match against England on June 17.