Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol should feature again for the Premier League side before the end of this season.
That’s according to Sportske Novosti, who provide the latest on the defender’s recovery from his setback.
On January 4th, the Croatia international picked up an injury in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
The former RB Leipzig man has been on the sidelines since then and underwent surgery later that month. Initial suggestions were that he will miss the World Cup in the summer.
Last month, Sport Witness relayed news from Croatia insisting that he will feature again for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.
Tomislav Vlahović, the head of medical services of the Croatian football association has also said he’ll make it to the World Cup.
Manchester City pleased with Gvardiol’s situation
Sportske Novosti pick up on that and report the 24-year-old is ahead of schedule for his recovery.
The Manchester City player had a protective boot after surgery. However, he is now walking normally, without a protective boot. Gvardiol isn’t limping as he’s no longer in pain. However, a source close to the defender told the outlet that he still feels pain sometimes while training.
The Croatian has done his part and is sticking to the recovery plan provided by experts. According to the report, Manchester City doctors are ‘very pleased’ his recovery is ‘going better than expected’.
Despite the positive update on his recovery, ‘no one will give an exact date when he’ll play again’. The report adds he is likely to return to the pitch in May, meaning he could feature again for Manchester City this season.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić is counting on him, but Sportske Novosti warn ‘everything should be viewed with caution’. Gvardiol will be hoping not to pick up a fresh setback that will prolong his return.
Gvardiol’s contract and value
The defender arrived at the Etihad from Leipzig in August 2023 and has been a regular under Pep Guardiola when available for selection.
Gvardiol has played 120 matches as both left and a centre-back and managed 13 goals and 10 assists.
The Croatian has a contract until 2028, and Transfermarkt currently values him at €70m.
He had an €80m valuation when he moved to Manchester City and it dropped to €75m in March 2024. It dropped further by €5m in December.