AC Milan midfielder Luka Modrić has suffered a double cheekbone fracture and is expected to miss the remainder of the Serie A season, according to Croatian media outlet Sportske Novosti. The injury occurred during Milan's recent match against Juventus when Modrić collided with opponent Manuel Locatelli, forcing the 38-year-old to be substituted in the 80th minute.
The report states that Modrić "should no longer tread the Serie A pitches before the end of the season," dealing a significant blow to Milan's campaign. The club currently sits third in the league but has not yet mathematically secured qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League, making Modrić's absence particularly costly during the final sprint of fixtures.
For the Croatian national team, the news is somewhat better. Modrić, the captain and talisman, is expected to recover in time for this summer's Copa América in the United States, though he will likely need to play wearing a protective face mask. The veteran has confirmed his intention to participate in the tournament, which could be one of his final major international competitions.
This injury adds another chapter to what has been a challenging debut season in Italy for Modrić. After his legendary, trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, his move to AC Milan on a free transfer last summer was seen as a major coup for the Rossoneri. His experience and technical quality were intended to guide a young midfield, but his campaign has now been cut short at a critical juncture.
The loss of their maestro leaves a considerable void in Stefano Pioli's midfield plans. With the title race concluded and focus solely on securing a top-four finish, Milan must now rely on other options like Yacine Adli, Tijjani Reijnders, and Tommaso Pobega to navigate their remaining matches. For Modrić, the focus shifts to a careful rehabilitation with the goal of representing Croatia in June, continuing an international career that defies his age.
