Khaberni - Italian football club Milan announced on Monday that Croatian midfielder Luka Modric will undergo surgery after suffering a left cheekbone fracture, weeks before his fifth World Cup appearance.
Modric (40 years old) was injured following a head collision with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli during the teams' goalless draw at San Siro on Sunday, causing the Croatian to leave the field injured ten minutes before the end of the match.
Despite the pain, Modric remained on the substitutes' bench until the end of the match without treatment. However, after medical examinations later on Monday, it was confirmed that he would need surgery.
Milan is currently in third place in the standings, trailing leader Inter Milan by 12 points with four games left in the season. It is uncertain if the Croatian will participate in the remaining matches of the season.
He may need to wear a protective face mask if he recovers in time to participate in the upcoming World Cup.
