Luka Modric suffered a facial fracture during AC Milan’s game against Juventus and underwent surgery the next day.
Published April 28, 2026
The Croatian Football Federation has announced that Luka Modric has successfully undergone surgery after sustaining a fractured left cheekbone and is expected to play in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The AC Milan midfielder was injured after a head collision with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during Sunday’s 0-0 Serie A draw at San Siro, and the 40-year-old underwent surgery on Monday, weeks before playing in his fifth World Cup.
Modric left the pitch with 10 minutes left in the match, clearly in pain, but remained on the bench until the end without receiving treatment.
Tests revealed a fracture in his left cheekbone, and Modric underwent surgery a few hours later.
Milan announced that he suffered “complicated multiple fractures of the left cheekbone,” but that the surgery was “completely successful.”
The club did not specify how long Modric would be out. However, there are only four matches left in Serie A.
“The club wishes Luka a speedy recovery ahead of the FIFA World Cup!” added Milan.
The Croatian federation said the country’s medical staff remained in contact with team captain Modric and the club.
Croatian national team head coach Zlatko Dalic said in a statement: “I have spoken to Luka and wish him a successful surgery and a speedy and quality recovery.”
“I am confident that he will do his best for the World Cup and we will give our full support.
“The recovery is going according to plan and I am confident that Luka will lead us as team captain in another major tournament this summer.”
Milan are in third place, 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan with four games remaining, and it is doubtful whether Modric will play any role in the start of the season. If he recovers in time for the World Cup, he may need a protective mask.
Modric is in the final months of his contract with Milan, having signed a one-year deal last summer after spending 13 trophy-filled seasons at Real Madrid. He has the option to extend his contract for another year.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11, with Croatia playing in Group L against England on June 17, Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.
