Luka Modrić suffers facial fracture, set for surgery in Milan

Luka Modrić (Screenshot/X)

Croatia captain Luka Modrić is set to undergo surgery in Milan after suffering a double fracture of the cheekbone during a Serie A clash.

The 40-year-old midfielder sustained the injury in Sunday’s goalless draw between AC Milan and Juventus. The incident occurred in the 80th minute when Modrić collided head-on with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

Play was halted for several minutes as medical staff attended to the Croatian captain, who was visibly dazed and forced to leave the pitch.

Initial assessments indicated a serious facial injury, and further examinations on Monday confirmed a double fracture of the cheekbone. Modrić is scheduled to undergo an operation later today in Milan, 24sata has reported.

The injury casts significant doubt over whether the veteran midfielder will feature again this season in Italy’s top flight. However, there is cautious optimism regarding his availability for the upcoming World Cup.

The moment Luka Modrić got injured 😬💔pic.twitter.com/QT65ZIdwg8 https://t.co/k3KvejUfM3

— TheCroatian (@TheCroatian_) April 26, 2026

Modrić is still expected to lead Croatia on the global stage, where they are set to face England, Panama and Ghana in the group phase. Should he recover as anticipated, he is likely to play wearing a protective face mask.