Modrić Undergoes Surgery for Cheekbone Injury After Juventus Match

Luka Modrić, captain of the Croatian national team, underwent successful surgery for a fractured left cheekbone resulting from a collision during a match against Juventus on April 26, 2026. The incident occurred at the San Siro Stadium in Milan during a scoreless draw, with Modrić sustaining the injury from a clash of heads with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli. Despite the injury, he remained on the bench to support his team until the end of the game, but medical evaluations later required immediate surgical intervention.

AC Milan, the club Modrić represents, confirmed the surgery on April 27, 2026, stating that it was performed at the La Madonnina Clinic in Milan by a medical team led by Dr. Luca Autelitano, with AC Milan doctors Stefano Mazzoni and Andrea Bulgheroni in attendance. The club provided assurances that the operation was successful.

This injury comes at a critical point in the season for AC Milan, which currently sits in third place in Serie A with 67 points after 34 matches. The loss of Modrić, who has been a key player in midfield since joining Milan in July 2025, is seen as a significant setback. He has made 33 appearances in the league this season, scoring two goals and assisting three others.

After leaving Real Madrid as a free agent, Modrić had signed a one-year contract with Milan, with an option for an additional year. His arrival in Italy had been long anticipated, culminating following the 2025 Club World Cup. As AC Milan approaches the end of the season, they trail league leaders Inter Milan and second-place Napoli while maintaining a thin three-point margin over Juventus.