Luka Modrić to Undergo Surgery After Fractured Cheekbone in Milan’s 0-0 Draw with Juventus
Luka Modrić will undergo surgery after suffering a fractured left cheekbone following a head collision in AC Milan’s 0-0 draw with Juventus, the club announced. The 40-year-old midfielder sustained the injury during the match and received immediate on-field treatment before being withdrawn. AC Milan confirmed medical tests showed a left zygomatic fracture that requires an operation in the coming hours.
Modrić to Undergo Surgery After Facial Fracture
AC Milan said examinations revealed a fracture to Modrić’s left cheekbone that will be treated surgically in the hours ahead. The club added that it will provide further details and updates after the operation is completed. No timetable for his return to the squad was included in the initial statement.
Modrić, who joined Milan last summer on a one-year contract from Real Madrid, is 40 years old and remains a key presence for both club and country. The decision to operate follows standard medical practice for zygomatic fractures where surgery is needed to restore facial structure and protect vision and jaw function.
Collision During Milan–Juventus Match Left Player Injured
The injury occurred after a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during the goalless match. Modrić fell to the ground and left the pitch with ice applied to his face, prompting immediate concern among teammates and spectators. Referee stoppage and on-field medical attention were followed by his substitution as a precaution.
Match officials allowed play to continue once Modrić was removed, and the game finished 0-0. Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri’s side face a busy run-in with four league matches remaining, adding pressure to squad selection decisions during Modrić’s absence.
Club Confirms Diagnosis and Imminent Operation
In its official release, AC Milan stated the scans confirmed a fracture of the left zygomatic bone and recommended surgery within hours to address the injury. The club has not disclosed which surgical team will perform the procedure or where it will take place, saying only that additional information will follow after the operation. Medical teams typically aim to stabilise the bone and check for related complications such as orbital or dental injuries.
Milan did not provide an estimate for recovery time, leaving the duration of Modrić’s sidelining open. The absence of a precise prognosis reflects the need to assess healing and rehabilitation progress post-operation before setting a return-to-play timetable.
Implications for Milan’s Champions League Push
Modrić’s injury arrives as Milan pursue a return to the UEFA Champions League following their domestic campaign’s closing weeks. The Rossoneri sit in a position that keeps European qualification within reach, and the midfield veteran’s experience is considered valuable in the run-in. Allegri will need to weigh squad rotation and tactical adjustments with one of his most seasoned midfielders unavailable.
With four Serie A fixtures remaining, Milan must manage fixture congestion and potential setbacks to remain competitive for a top-four finish. The club’s midfield depth will be tested as they prepare for upcoming away fixtures, including a scheduled trip to Sassuolo next in the domestic calendar.
World Cup 2026 Participation Now Unclear
Modrić has been listed as a potential selection for his national team at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Milan’s statement noted that Modrić is expected to participate in the tournament provided he recovers in time, but the operation and subsequent rehabilitation introduce uncertainty. National team staff and the player’s medical team will monitor recovery closely before finalising any squad decisions.
The timing of the surgery and the typical recovery trajectory for zygomatic fractures make late May and early June critical for rehabilitation progress. If Modrić progresses well, he could still be available; if complications delay healing, his World Cup involvement could be jeopardised.
AC Milan will issue further updates after the surgery and as medical assessments continue, with supporters and the wider football community awaiting more information on Modrić’s condition and recovery timeline.
