The veteran midfielder was injured following an accidental head-to-head collision with Manuel Locatelli during the 0–0 Serie A match between Milan and Juventus at San Siro. According to Milan’s official statement, the operation was performed at La Madonnina Clinic and carried out by a team led by Dr. Luca Autelitano, in the presence of the club’s medical staff.
The club confirmed that it was a complex fracture of the left cheekbone and that immediate surgery was necessary after the injury was diagnosed. Reports indicate that Modrić is expected to be sidelined for around 6 to 8 weeks, meaning his season with Milan has come to an end.
However, there is optimism that he could recover in time for the 2026 World Cup with the Croatian national team, with the possibility of playing while wearing a protective mask. Despite being 40 years old, Modrić made 36 appearances for Milan this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. The club wished him a “speedy recovery and a return in time for the World Cup.”
