Luka Modric Suffers Double Cheekbone Fracture: Season Over But Expected Ready for World Cup

Both AC Milan and the Croatia national team have been dealt a major setback at a crucial stage of the season. Midfielder Luka Modric has suffered a double cheekbone fracture during a match against Juventus, an injury that will sideline him, representing a significant loss for AC Milan who must navigate the final stretch without one of their most experienced players.

How the Injury Occurred

The injury occurred at the San Siro Stadium in Milan during Sunday’s 0-0 draw, when Modrić was forced off with ten minutes remaining following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli. 

Despite the visible discomfort, the Croatian veteran stayed with the team on the bench until the final whistle, but a later examination confirmed the necessity of an immediate operation. Modric, who was voted Milan’s man of the match against Juventus, reported for medical examinations on Monday.

Official AC Milan Statement

AC Milan announced that Luka Modrić underwent surgery at the La Madonnina Clinic in Milan. Surgery was required to treat a complex, multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone. The operation, performed by Dr. Luca Autelitano’s team in the presence of AC Milan’s own doctors Stefano Mazzoni and Andrea Bulgheroni, was completely successful. The club wished Luka a speedy recovery ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Injury Details and Recovery Timeline

The primary concern for medical experts is the healing time for a zygomatic bone fracture. Typically, such injuries require six to eight weeks for full bone fusion. Given that the World Cup opener is less than seven weeks away, Modric is on a razor-thin timeline.

World Cup Hopes Remain Alive

While both his season and his contract with AC Milan are drawing to a close, Modric has every reason to be optimistic about making it to the 2026 World Cup in North America. According to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, the midfielder is expected to be sidelined until late May but is on track to be fit for Croatia’s tournament opener against England on June 17. 

His availability for the warm-up friendlies against Belgium on June 2 and Slovenia on June 7 will depend entirely on how his recovery progresses in the weeks ahead. What does appear increasingly likely is that Modric will be wearing a protective face mask for much of the tournament as he makes his return.

Croatia Coach Backs His Captain

National team manager Zlatko Dalic offered an optimistic outlook on his star man’s recovery. “I’ve been talking to Luka, and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery,” Dalic stated. “I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and we’ll provide full support. I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer.”

Croatia’s World Cup Group Stage

Croatia will face England, Ghana, and Panama in Group L.

The timing of the injury is particularly cruel for the Croatia captain, who is preparing for his fifth and potentially final World Cup appearance.

Impact on AC Milan’s Season

Milan’s pursuit of a Champions League spot is now in jeopardy. With four games left to play and a slim three-point lead over Juventus, the loss of their primary playmaker could prove fatal to their European ambitions. In his first season at AC Milan, Modric established himself as the team’s standout performer. Despite modest counting stats of two goals and three assists in 36 appearances, his influence on the club has been far more profound, serving as the engine of the midfield with 60.3 passes completed per game at an efficiency rate of 91%.

Luka Modric’s 2025/26 Season Statistics

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