Luka Modric returns early for Milan after facial fracture surgery
Quick summary
Luka Modric has returned to training earlier than expected and will be on AC Milan's bench against Genoa wearing a protective mask. He had initially been ruled out for the rest of the club season after surgery on multiple cheekbone fractures.
What happened
Modric suffered a complex fracture of the left cheekbone after a collision with Manuel Locatelli in Milan's Serie A match against Juventus and underwent surgery on April 27. Initial expectations were that the injury would end his club season and leave him racing to be fit for Croatia's June World Cup fixtures. Instead, coach Max Allegri confirmed that Modric has resumed full team training, tested a protective mask, and is available for Sunday's trip to Genoa. The update is significant because Modric has been one of Milan's most reliable and heavily used players this season.
Chance analysis
This matters because Modric's availability improves Milan's midfield control, experience, and late-game options immediately, even if he only starts on the bench. An early return from a supposedly season-ending injury is a meaningful positive lineup signal, though the protective mask and likely managed minutes still limit expectations for a full workload.
Modric's return modestly strengthens Milan's midfield depth and improves their options for the Genoa match.
Treat this as a strong positive availability update for Milan, but downgrade expected minutes because Modric is returning from facial surgery and is likely managed from the bench.