Croatia's Luka Modric Expected Ready for World Cup Despite Broken Cheekbone

Croatia captain Luka Modric broke his cheekbone and underwent surgery, but coach Zlatko Dalic says he expects the midfielder to be fit for this summer's World Cup.

The 38-year-old AC Milan player will almost certainly miss the rest of his club season as he recovers from the injury. However, multiple sources confirm Croatia's medical team believes he'll have enough time to heal before the World Cup begins.

Modric has been Croatia's most important player for over a decade. He captained the team to the World Cup final in 2018, where they lost to France, and helped them reach the semifinals in 2022. The veteran midfielder is widely considered one of the best players of his generation.

Croatia will be counting on Modric's experience and leadership as they try to make another deep run in the tournament. The team has consistently punched above their weight in recent World Cups, largely thanks to Modric's playmaking abilities.