Croatia boss Dalic confident Modric will be fit for the World Cup

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic is confident Luka Modric will recover from his injury in time to play at the World Cup this summer.

Milan revealed Modric has suffered a “complex, multi-fragment fracture of the left zygomatic bone” after a clash of heads with Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli on Sunday.

The Rossoneri also confirmed the midfielder has undergone successful surgery, but would miss the remainder of the Serie A season.

The 40-year-old has played 36 games for Milan since his free transfer from Real Madrid last summer, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

Modric’s availability for the World Cup is now in doubt, as he looks to represent his country at a fifth World Cup.

He has made 19 appearances at World Cup finals, with his first coming in 2006, while he captained Croatia to third place in 2022 and runners-up in 2018.

All three of his direct goal contributions (two goals, one assist) came in the 2018 edition, where Croatia lost to France in the showpiece.

Despite Milan not confirming Modric’s availability for the tournament this summer, Dalic believes there is nothing to worry about.

“I’ve been talking to Luka and wished him a successful surgery and a quality and speedy recovery,” said Dalic.

Last Friday, Luka Modrić received his Croatian Football of the Year award from the Croatian FA! A huge honour and we are so proud of him @HNS_CFF pic.twitter.com/7eh91yzAoT

— AC Milan (@acmilan) April 20, 2026

“I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup, and we’ll provide full support.

“I am confident that the recovery will go according to plan and that Luka, as team captain, will lead us at another major competition this summer.”

Croatia will face England in their World Cup opener on June 17, with Panama and Ghana also making up Group L at the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.