Luka Modric has undergone successful surgery after fracturing his left cheekbone weeks before the 40-year-old is due to participate in his fifth World Cup.
Modric sustained the injury following a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during Sunday’s 0-0 Serie A draw at the San Siro.
Although clearly in pain, the former Real Madrid midfielder remained on the bench until the end of the game without receiving medical treatment.
The Croatian federation said national medical staff remained in contact with Modric, who captains the side, as well as his club.
Luka Modric leaves the pitch after being injured during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Juventus. (Photo by Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP via Getty Images)
“I’ve been talking to Luka, and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery,” Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic said. “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.”
Modric is set to miss the rest of the season, as AC Milan hope to finish strongly. The Rosenorri are currently third in the standings, 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan with four games remaining.
The veteran midfielder may need a protective mask should he recover in time for the World Cup, which begins on 11 June. Croatia will face England, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
