Luka Modric underwent surgery on Monday after suffering a fractured cheekbone during Serie A match action between AC Milan and Juventus at San Siro on Sunday, with the club confirming a successful operation following a head collision.
The injury occurred after a clash with Manuel Locatelli, forcing Modric off with ten minutes remaining. Medical assessment later confirmed a complex fracture to the left zygomatic bone, which required immediate surgical intervention.
AC Milan detailed the procedure in an official statement. “AC Milan announces that Luka Modric underwent surgery today at the La Madonnina Clinic in Milan. Surgery was required to treat a complex, multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone.” The description confirms the severity of the injury and explains the need for urgent treatment rather than conservative management.
“The operation, performed by Dr Luca Autelitano’s team in the presence of AC Milan’s own doctors Stefano Mazzoni and Andrea Bulgheroni, was completely successful.” The club’s emphasis on a successful outcome provides initial reassurance but does not clarify recovery time.
Milan have not provided a return timeline. With four Serie A matches remaining, the absence of a timeframe indicates Modric will likely miss the remainder of the domestic season.
Modric has played 33 Serie A matches this season, contributing two goals and three assists. His role in midfield has provided control and experience, particularly in high-pressure fixtures, and his absence reduces Milan’s stability during the run-in.
Milan sit third in the table with 67 points from 34 matches, trailing leaders Inter Milan and second-placed Napoli. The team hold a narrow three-point lead over Juventus, which keeps the race for Champions League qualification competitive.
Croatia now monitor his recovery ahead of the World Cup. The tournament begins on 11 June, and Modric is expected to lead the national side if he regains fitness in time.
