Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTrevor StynesTuesday 28 April 2026 09:58 BSTLuka Modric picked up an injury over the weekend (Reuters)AC Milan and Croatia midfielder Luka Modrichas successfully undergone surgery for a fractured left cheekbone.The injury was sustained during Sunday’s Serie A match against Juventus, following a clash of heads with midfielder Manuel Locatelli, leading to his departure from the field with 10 minutes remaining.Despite the injury, Modric remained on the bench until the end of the game without immediate medical treatment, with the Croatian federation confirming national medical staff are in contact with him and his club.Croatia's head coach, Zlatko Dalic, expressed confidence in Modric's recovery and his ability to lead the team at his fifth World Cup, which begins on 11 June.Modric is expected to miss AC Milan's remaining four Serie A games and may require a protective mask if he recovers in time for the World Cup, where Croatia will face England, Ghana, and Panama in Group L.In fullLuka Modric undergoes surgery weeks before World CupThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in