Luka Modric left the field against Juventus on Sunday night after a nasty blow, and it turned out it will end his season early.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recall, Modric came off bruised face after a rough head-to-head collision with Manuel Locatelli in the second half of the game. Following yesterday morning’s tests, it has been confirmed Milan will lose the Croatian star for the rest of the campaign.
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It is a ‘complex multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone’ according to the medical bulletin released by Milan. Modric immediately underwent surgery at the La Madonnina clinic in central Milan, and he will be out for between six and eight weeks.
Season finished
Modric, therefore, has played his final game of the 2025-26 season for Milan. Whether it will also be his last in general is unknown, although a video was posted on AC Milan’s social media with the caption: “We look forward to seeing you back at San Siro soon.”
The Croatian’s contract includes an option to extend his contract for another season, but Luka will decide. Will this injury change anything? It’s too early to say. What is certain is that the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States is his first focus.
It’s no coincidence that the Rossoneri’s official statement ends with an eloquent message: “The club wishes Luka a speedy recovery ahead of the FIFA World Cup!” Modric has already played for Croatia in four World Cups (2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and will most likely retire after the fifth.
It’s an event he’s had on his calendar for months and one he won’t miss for anything in the world, even if he has to take the field wearing a protective mask. Luka is Croatia’s undisputed leader, holding the record for appearances (196), and despite his nearly 41 years, he’s also a regular starter.
A chance to take
Under Massimiliano Allegri, the spark was immediate, and Modric became the lynchpin of the Rossoneri midfield instantly. He has appeared in 33 out of 34 league games, 32 of them from the start.
In the final four Serie A rounds, in which the Rossoneri will mathematically have to stamp their Champions League qualification, Allegri will be forced to look for an alternative solution in the regista position.
la gazzetta dello sport 28 april modric gila
It’s natural to think of the man who replaced Luka against Juve: Ardon Jashari, who cost over €30m to sign last summer. He has rarely featured this season, partly because Max sees him essentially in Modric’s role.
Keep an eye on Samuele Ricci, who is more of a natural midfielder operating in front of the defence and could be given the keys to the role. For both, the Croatian’s injury could be a chance to steal the show and perhaps convince the coach with a view to 2026-27.
In Milan’s plans, it will be the year of their return to the Champions League. Translated: more games, more rotation, more opportunities for everyone. Whether Modric decides to have one last dance in Milan, or the Croatian moves elsewhere or hangs up his boots.