Modrić undergoes surgery for a fractured cheekbone

The captain of the Croatian national football team has undergone emergency surgery for a fractured cheekbone that was sustained in a head-to-head collision with Juventus defensive midfielder Manuel Locatelli in the 81st minute of play. Doctors say he should be ready for the World Cup in June.

After fracturing his cheekbone in Sunday's game against Juventus, doctors have reported that Milan midfielder Luka Modrić has undergone successful surgery. It remains to be seen however, just how long the 40 year-old captain of the Croatian national football team will be out of action. According to the Croatian national team doctor, Dr. Tomislav Vlahović, he is expected to be ready for the World Cup in June: "The plan is that when Luka is ready to return to the pitch, that he practice and play games with a mask. It is our hope that this will be possible by the first game of the World Cup. Obviously, every injury has its consequences. However, given that it’s Luka and that he was treated immediately, we believe that in the end this could work out for us."

National team coach Zlatko Dalić issued this statement regarding Luka's recovery: "I spoke with Luka prior to his surgery. I wished him a successful surgery and, of course, a good and speedy recovery. I am sure that Luka will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and to that end we will give him our full support. I am sure that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer."

This is Modrić’s first season with AC Milan, after spending 13 years with Spanish giants Real Madrid. In what is widely regarded as an excellent campaign for the Rossoneri, Modrić has served as a team leader on and off the pitch. Milan is currently 3rd in Serie A, three points clear of 4th placed Juventus. However, Modrić and company are a full 12 points behind league leaders and cross-town rivals Inter Milan.

Source: HRT