The news is now official and weighs heavily on the final stretch of the Rossoneri’s season: Luka Modrić has ended his campaign early. The Croatian midfielder, who underwent surgery on Monday for a complex, multi-fragmentary cheekbone fracture, will not return to the pitch this season. The estimated recovery time — between 6 and 8 weeks — makes any comeback before the end of the campaign virtually impossible.
His Recovery Programme at Milanello
Despite his season being over, the legendary midfielder will not be leaving Milanello. In the coming weeks, Modrić will remain at the Rossoneri’s training facility, working daily with the Milan athletic staff on a programme focused exclusively on maintaining muscle tone. No group training sessions, then — just individual workouts designed to keep him in shape ahead of the summer’s biggest event: the Club World Cup.
Who Will Replace Him Against Sassuolo
On the tactical front, coach Massimiliano Allegri must now find a replacement for the former Real Madrid star in Sunday’s match against Sassuolo. The front-runner at this stage is Yacine Adli, who in the squad hierarchy is considered Modrić’s natural backup. Samuele Ricci is also in the running for a starting spot in midfield. Allegri’s final decision is expected in the coming hours.
The Debate Over Locatelli’s Challenge
The Croatian maestro’s injury has reignited debate across Italian football. The comments made by Daniele Adani — former defender and current pundit — have sparked discussion: he openly defended Modrić and criticised the nature of Manuel Locatelli‘s challenge that caused the fracture. Adani argued there is a clear difference between normal football aggression and a challenge carried out in a way that risks seriously injuring an opponent, even drawing a comparison with Lionel Messi: “As a defender, I’d give Messi that space, but I wouldn’t go in hard and risk hurting him.”
A stance that divides sporting opinion: some believe all players are equal on the pitch, while others agree with Adani that protecting opponents physically should always take precedence over aggressive tactics — especially when it comes to players who have given so much to the game.
Modrić’s Future at the Club
Beyond medical matters, another equally important question remains open: Modrić’s contractual future with Milan. Updates on his decision regarding next season are expected in the coming days — a topic that Rossoneri fans are following very closely. The Croatian champion, who arrived in Milan last summer bringing experience, class and leadership, has proven he can still make a difference at the highest level. The hope at Casa Milan is that he can continue to do so for a long time to come — ideally still in red and black.
