Manchester City midfielder issues fitness update after 100-day injury absence | OneFootball

Manchester City may be on the verge of welcoming back star midfielder Mateo Kovacic after over 100 days on the sidelines following surgery on an injury problem last season.

The Croatian international has endured a frustrating spell since the start of the summer, with Pep Guardiola confirming ahead of the new campaign that the former Chelsea man would be sidelined until at least September or October.

The absence saw him miss the entirety of the club’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States and pre-season, as well as Manchester City’s opening Premier League fixtures, for which he had originally been tipped to play a key role.

Manchester City confirmed in an official statement on June 2 that Kovacic had undergone surgery on an Achilles issue, outlining that he would miss a large chunk of the summer programme.

At the time, the club stressed that the midfielder would spend the close season rehabilitating and building fitness ahead of a potential autumn comeback. Just a day later, Kovacic himself offered supporters reassurance by posting a photo of his protective boot and crutches with the caption: “Surgery went well. Now patience, hard work, and faith.”

Transfer rumours briefly surrounded the Croatian during his rehabilitation, with Fabrizio Romano reporting in early August that clubs in the Saudi Pro League had approached the player with offers.

However, Mateo Kovacic remained focused on his Manchester City recovery and starring for the club in the now-ongoing campaign, with Etihad Stadium chiefs equally intent on retaining his services for Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Issuing a new update on his road to recovery, Kovacic has showcased a series of snaps – accompanied by the caption ‘Almost there’ – from his venture out to the United States for both Manchester City commercial duties and family time with his wife and son.

Running freely on the grass at Manchester City’s sister club New York City FC’s training ground, Kovacic appears to be closing in on a full recovery following his surgery on an Achilles injury over three months ago.

Should Mateo Kovacic return in line with Pep Guardiola’s expectations, the Croatian could provide a major boost to Manchester City’s midfield depth just as the schedule begins to intensify.

With Kevin De Bruyne departing following the expiry of his contract, joining Napoli on a free transfer, and İlkay Gündoğan at Galatasaray, extra options in the engine room could prove invaluable purely for rotation amid the presence of Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez.

The question now turns to how Pep Guardiola intends to reintegrate Kovacic into the system. Given his ability to play both as a central pivot and in more advanced roles, the 31-year-old could offer tactical flexibility at a key moment in the campaign.

While no official return date has been confirmed, the latest signs are encouraging, and Manchester City supporters will be hoping to see Mateo Kovacic back in action in the weeks ahead – potentially easing Guardiola’s selection headaches.