Croatia’s Joško Gvardiol sidelined after serious injury

Croatia’s star defender Joško Gvardiol suffered a fractured right tibia during a Premier League match on Sunday. 

Following surgery and a lengthy recovery, the 23-year-old faces the possibility of missing the upcoming World Cup, set to kick off in early June.

Gvardiol addressed the news on Instagram, saying:

"This is a hard moment, but it will never define me. I know who I am and where I come from. To the Cityzens, thank you for your endless support. I love you, and I’ll fight every day to return stronger, as a City warrior. My heart beats for Croatia. Always! I will rise again, better than ever! For my club. For my brothers at club and national level. For my people. For Croatia."

Croatia national team manager Zlatko Dalić offered his support, acknowledging the impact of losing two key players, with Mateo Kovačić also sidelined due to injury.

"I hope his surgery will be successful. Of course, the team is deeply saddened by his injury. Unfortunately, Mateo Kovačić is also out. This means we are currently without two players that even the biggest teams in the world would miss. I sincerely hope that both Joško and Mateo will be with us at the World Cup," Dalić said.

Croatia will compete in Group L together with England, Ghana and Panama. Croatia's first game is against England on 17 June in Arlington, Texas.