Luka Modric suffered a cheekbone fracture in a clash with Juventus, will undergo surgery, and faces an uncertain World Cup timeline while AC Milan pushes for Champions League qualification.
The Modric cheekbone fracture was confirmed after AC Milan’s goalless draw with Juventus, and the 40‑year‑old will undergo surgery within hours.
Injury details
Milan announced that the operation will take place later today, with further updates to follow after the procedure.. While the exact recovery period remains unclear, the midfielder hopes to be match‑fit for the upcoming World Cup, provided his rehabilitation proceeds smoothly.. For AC Milan, losing a veteran playmaker in the final stretch of the Serie A season adds pressure as they chase a top‑three finish and a Champions League berth.
Wider impact
Supporters took to social media to share messages of encouragement, flooding the club’s official channels with hashtags praising his resilience. Teammates were seen gathering around the injured star in the locker room, offering words of solidarity that underscored his role as a locker‑room anchor.
On the league front, Milan sits third, six points clear of fifth‑placed Como, with four matches remaining.. Losing Modric could force Massimiliano Allegri to adjust his midfield setup, potentially relying more on younger players to fill the creative void.. The club’s Champions League qualification hopes hinge on maintaining consistency against rivals such as Sassuolo, who visit on Sunday.
In recent seasons, several high‑profile midfielders have endured facial fractures – from Kevin De Bruyne’s cheek injury to Paul Pogba’s similar setback – highlighting the physical risks inherent in modern football’s high‑intensity duels.. Medical advances now allow quicker return timelines, yet recovery still depends on individual healing rates and the severity of the break.
Looking ahead, Milan will monitor Modric’s progress closely while preparing contingency plans for the remaining fixtures.. If the Croatian captain manages to recover in time, his participation in the World Cup could boost Croatia’s midfield stability.. Otherwise, both club and country will need to adapt without one of their most seasoned playmakers.