Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has expressed optimism that captain Luka Modrić will recover in time to lead the national team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite undergoing surgery for a serious facial injury.

Modrić sustained a broken cheekbone following a head collision during a match between AC Milan and Juventus that ended goalless. Medical tests later confirmed a complex fracture of the left zygomatic bone.

His club, AC Milan, confirmed that the midfielder has undergone successful surgery, though no timeline has been given for his return. He is expected to miss the rest of the Serie A season as the club continues its push for Champions League qualification.

The injury has raised concerns in Croatia’s camp ahead of the tournament, which begins on June 11, with their opening match against England scheduled for June 17.

However, Dalić remains confident that the veteran midfielder will recover in time to feature at the tournament. He said he has spoken with Modrić and is optimistic about his rehabilitation process.

“I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup,” Dalić said. “We’ll provide full support. I am confident the recovery will go according to plan.”

Modrić, a long-serving captain and key figure for Croatia, remains central to the team’s plans as they prepare for another major international campaign.