Official: Modric season over after surgery, rush for 2026 World Cup recovery | OneFootball

Milan released a statement confirming Luka Modric had surgery today for multiple facial fractures, as it’s a race against time to recover for Croatia at the World Cup.

The veteran midfielder was forced off the field by an accidental clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli in last night’s 0-0 Serie A game at San Siro.

It was only today that the extent of the damage became apparent, and the decision was made to go under the knife.

Modric surgery successful after facial fracture

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Luka Modric of AC Milan is assisted off by medical staff after going down injured during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan announced that the operation was performed today at the La Madonnina Clinic in Milan.

The statement confirms that this was a complex multiple fracture of the left cheekbone.

Surgery was performed by the team run by Dr Luca Autelitano in the presence of Milan medical staff Stefano Mazzoni and Andrea Bulgheroni.

Initial reports suggest Modric will be able to participate in this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada for Croatia, but only with the aid of a protective mask.

This type of injury generally requires six to eight weeks out of action.

The club statement confirmed his season is over for the Rossoneri, wishing him “a quick recovery in view of the FIFA World Cup!”

PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Despite being 40 years of age, Modric made 36 competitive appearances for Milan this season, with two goals and three assists.