Broken Cheekbone But Croatia Back Modric Recovery For World Cup

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic believes Luka Modric will beryllium fresh to lead his broadside astatine this summer's World Cup aft nan AC Milan midfielder had room connected a surgery cheekbone.

The 40-year-old was injured pursuing a conflict of heads pinch Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli erstwhile their sides drew 0-0 connected Sunday.

Milan said Modric had suffered a "complex, multi-fragment fracture of nan near zygomatic bone" and had undergone "completely successful" surgery.

The San Siro broadside did not specify really agelong Modric mightiness beryllium retired but wished him "a speedy betterment up of nan Fifa World Cup".

The World Cup starts connected 11 June and Croatia unfastened their run against England connected 17 June.

"I've been talking to Luka and wished him a successful room and a value and speedy recovery," said Dalic.

"I americium convinced that he will do everything to beryllium fresh for nan World Cup, and we'll supply afloat support.

"I americium assured that nan betterment will spell according to scheme and that Luka, arsenic squad captain, will lead america astatine different awesome title this summer."

Modric is group to miss nan remainder of nan Serie A play arsenic AC Milan pursuit a Champions League spot, pinch 4 games near to play.

They are successful 3rd spot connected 67 points, pinch fourth-placed Juventus connected 64 points and Como connected 61 points on pinch Roma.